YFS
Airdrie United met St Peters in the 2015/16 Scottish Cup final at Airdrieonians' Excelsior Stadium. A home tie for the diamonds, who brought with them an unsprisingly large support (as did St Peters).
The match was a meeting of two 'heavyweights' of the 1999 age group. Reaching a Scottish Cup final is a tremendous achievement for any squad of players - but nobody would have bet against either of these two sides enjoying a good run in this season's competition.
Airdrie were a promising side at the younger age groups, dominating the Central Region soon after turning 11-a-side - before losing a lot of players to Club Academy Scotland. They have enjoyed a renaissance over the last two years, thriving in the West Lothian AYFC and entering this final on the back of their second successive County Cup triumph (and a thrilling semi final against Dundee West).
Saints have been a consistent force at the age group since beginning their 11-a-side journey. They've won Regional Cups, local leagues and cups and even the Scottish Youth Champions League tournament. However, the Scottish Cup has always eluded them. Today they looked to change that.
Airdrie got the game underway and from the first whistle It was a close encounter, with both sides cancelling each other out. The first half was a nervous one for both teams, as they found their feet. Neither team could create a clear cut opportunity.
The only moment of drama in the opening half came off the ball. An altercation with one of the Airdrie players saw them reduced to 10 men and left with an uphill task for the remainder of the match.