Giffnock SC crowned champions after a thrilling SYFA Cup final fixture

The sun shone down on Broadwood park, as spectators patiently waited for their U14 finalists Giffnock SC and Lochend FA to walk out the tunnel.

Credit must be given to inspiresport and the SYFA as the event was a fantastic affair from all those involved and made the players feel like stars.

Giffnock’s Matthew Thomson started the action with a bottom left corner attempt almost immediately after kick off but this clearly scared the Lochend boys as it started their reign of the first half.

The first real moment of potential came from Lochend captain James Forrest, a brilliant strike that unfortunately found its way into the arms of Ben Saldanha.

Forrest continued to worry the Glasgow sides defence with Oluwadarasimi Badmus working alongside him to keep creating chances.

It was Jahmal Idebi however that got the scoring underway with a cool, calm, carefully thought-out strike, putting his side ahead before the half time whistle.

Credit must be given to Gary Birnie and the rest of the coaching staff at Giffnock SC for whatever motivational speech that was given because from the start of the second half, it was clear they thought this final was theirs to win.

After battling it out, the equaliser came when Leo Hamilton took it round Lochends defence and slotting it through to the perfect place for Archie Macleod to tap it in, putting them well and truly back in the game.

Another attempt came not long after for Giffnock as Sonny Gibson stopped and took it round a lochend defender, passing to Leo Hamilton who attempted to curl it in but just didn’t get the right angle, a fantastic piece of play showing what they were capable of.

As the game progressed Lochend opted to show more defensive qualities, as Giffnock searched for the winner.

Just when the game was balancing out, a defensive mishap led to the ball finding Giffnocks Kieran Gordon who took a strike at it and hoped for the best, it payed off when the back of the net was found, and the team went wild.

From then on Lochend kept fighting, but it simply wasn’t enough.

Both teams displayed exceptional amounts of talent and it is an achievement to have gotten this far, YFS congratulates Giffnock SC on their win.

Giffnock SC player of the match: Leo Hamilton

Consistent performance throughout, constantly involving himself and attempting from all angles, keeping the defence on their toes.

Lochend player of the match: James Forrest

Forrest was a great role model, keeping his teams spirits high.

Giffnock SC magical moment:

Has to be that second goal, just terrific play and the celebrations were just as good.

Lochend magical moment:

A team effort saw a potential early second goal when a throw in made its way to the box and everyone scrambled for the goal, a moment of excitement they will wish had materialised.