GAME DAY 138 - FRIDAY 28th JANUARY 2022 - Back to the FINAL!

Game 138 - Back to the FINAL!

Murieston United AFC 1 Vs 3 Tollcross Thistle AFC

STADIUM - Albyn Park, Broxburn

COMPETITION - LEAFA 2019/20 Logan Cup FINAL

DATE - Friday 28th January 2022

KICK OFF - 19:30

PITCH - Artificial

PROGRAMME - NO

COST - Free Me, Sam and Mason

SCORE BOARD - No

CLOCK - No

ATTENDANCE - 130+

PENALTY - Yes Murieston x1

RED CARD - No

GOALS - ?
MILES TRAVELLED - 18 miles

The LEAFA 2019/20 Logan Cup Final, we do love a cup final and we love delving into footballs historic past, this kinda met both of these things in one, as we travelled back in time for a live cup final from the past.

THE GROUND

Albyn park for the 3rd time - first was during lockdown classic, when we had to lean stuff up against the fence to view a 9 goal thriller as Crossgates Primrose beat Broxburn Athletic at home 5-4. Our next game was the game against Linlithgow Rose during the 500 crowd limit fiasco, this time we stood up on the embankments and again Broxburn lost. This time we sat in the stand to try and avoid the crazy wind and rain, as we arrived so early for it, we got in pretty much the same time as the teams lol. The stand actually did an amazing job of protecting from the elements.

THE PREDICTION

Prediction was tough as two very good very evenly matched teams. Initially we were going to support Murieston, as they are the more local team to us. While the wee boy was singing 'SUPER JOHN MCGINN' on repeat, we got chatting to a woman next to us who turned out to be the mum of the Tollcross No.2 Christopher. She quickly persuaded Mason to change allegance and help her cheer on her son, which he did. He really enjoyed chatting to her, football is always a great place to meet people for a blether. So now we were chosing Tollcross for the win!

DOWN TO THE ACTION

First off well in to both teams, freezing, rain and really strong winds and they both still went out and put in a shift and a good performance.

Murieston would take the lead through an early penalty, check it out here...

They nearly made it 2-0 on around the 27th minute mark as they got through 1 on 1 with the Tollcross keeper, it was a great stop and he managed to keep the ball.

At the 36th minute mark Tollcross would make it 1-1 before going up 2-1 on the 43rd minute. A free kick into the box put away nicely just before the break, you can check it out here...

Second half the Murieston No.8 would rattle the inside of the post with a free kick which would unfortuantely for him bounce back out to safety for Tollcross. Great effort considering a decent bit out and the wind made the ball move on his run up to strike it.

After some nice passing put through Tollcross, the Muri No.8 would again be in action as a great tackle stopped what could well have been a goal chance.

Back up the other end it would take a couple of really good saves in succession by the Thistle keeper to keep them ahead in the match.

As Murieston were readying up for substitutes to come on, Tollcross got through and made it 3-1.

Could have been 4 for Tollcross after some more nice passing play, but the linesman flagged for offside. Don't really have a dog in this fight, it didn't appear to be offside, but pretty much happens all the time in Scottish football.

Could have been a sending off for Murieston later in second half as a Thistle player looked to be past and heading through on goal, the Muri player dropped at feet and handled what looked a clear goal scoring opportunity. He only recieved a yellow.

IN CLOSING

Great night out, really nice people in the crowd and a very social night. No2 for Tollcross's mum on the right and No14 for Murieston's dad on the left. Wee boy loved the night and really appreciates being able to get a photo with the man of the match and with the trophy, Thanks.

Two very evenly matched teams and on another night it could have been Muriestons trophy, but well in to both, doubt it will be the last time we see each team this year.