A LEITH ATHLETIC select side beat a team of former Hibs players 10-9 in a penalty decider to win the Leith Festival Cup before a massive turnout of around 1300 people at the sun-drenched Leith Links.
The Hibs veterans matched their younger, fitter opponents throughout the 90 minutes and the teams ended up locked at 1-1. Hibs used all their experience to pass the ball about brilliantly and their defence, marshalled by big Gordon Rae, sat back a
nd mopped up everything the home outfit threw at them.
Youngsters were out in force to see the former Easter Road stars go 1-0 in front from a well-taken goal from Fraser Ogilvie in the first half, possibly against the run of play and, instead of running at their more static older opponents, the Leith combine tried to match the Hibs style of passing play – and it got them nowhere!
Big Mike McDonald in the Hibs goal had plenty to do when Leith got within range of his goal, but the home side still trailed 1-0 at the break. The second half was much more lively with a few meaty' tackles going in and it took a great individual goal from Steve Radzinsky to equalise.
The Leith Athletic amateur player-of-the-year award winner ran at the Hibs defence from the right and showed great control of the ball before slamming it in to the opposite corner of McDonald's net.
There was a lot to enjoy in this game with goalmouth action at both ends, good shots and equally good saves from McDonald and Iain Gibson in the Leith goal. And more excitement came at the end of the game, when organiser Peter Smith announced it would be settled in a penalty decider.
The huge crowd closed in at the east end of the big pitch and, after each team had taken and scored nine penalties each, it was the Hibs player listed in the team sheets as 'Jnr Mince' who achieved what all the other who had gone before him hadn't managed to do: he fired the ball away over the Leith bar to the mixed cheers and groans of the fans.
The banter and comments aimed at the unfortunately named Jnr Mince can't be repeated but it was all good natured. Leith skipper for the day, Gary Smith (another former professional player who now coaches kids at Leith Athletic) duly dispatched the twentieth spot-kick to clinch a 10-9 win.
Smith was presented with the trophy by Hibs legend Lawrie Reilly to bring down the curtain on what was described as the best ever Leith Festival.
The Hibs XI now go on to play in a game to raise money for a kids' cancer charity at Pinkie Playing Fields in Musselburgh, on Saturday, kick-off 1.00pm.
Gordon Rae said: "We are delighted to be taking part in this fund-raising event and all the players in the opposition will pay to play against us.
"That will boost the funds and the game has been arranged after the tragic death from cancer of a young schoolgirl in Musselburgh.
"An auction is also being held after the game and that is why we are kicking off early. We can then all take part in the auction to make as much as possible for the charity. I hope lots of people turn out to support this worthy cause and, possibly, enjoy seeing us play!"
Leith Athletic, meanwhile, hope to be playing the East Seniors League next season.
Officials from the amateur team have had talks with Edinburgh Athletic and the two clubs hope to join forces next season and play their home games at the Civil Service Ground in Muirhouse. Edinburgh Athletic have been members of the East Seniors League for many years.
Liberton United hope to be playing as Lothian Thistle in the East Senior Leagues next season and they also hope, if that move goes ahead, they will be playing their home games at Saughton Enclosure.
