Sunday morning presents an early rise for the two U15s SYFA Inspire Scottish youth
FA cup finalists, Leith Athletic and Eastside rapids.
As the early morning journey to Broadwood stadium awaits, let’s look at the two
teams and how they have reached the final stage of the cup.
Starting with Leith Athletic based in Leith, Edinburgh, they are a well organised team
that have seen the likes of former Scotland and SPFL striker Leigh Griffiths come
through the team.
This year marks the clubs 30 th anniversary since forming so the boys will be hoping
to mark the occasion with the trophy.
As for their cup run so far, heres a look at the results that they’ve faced to reach the
final.
It all began in Edinburgh where Leith were faced with an early challenge against
Spartans FC Youth Whites but were not strong enough to beat the finalists in a 1-0
win for Leith Athletic.
Round two seen Leith blow Spartans FC Youth Reds away in a ten-goal thriller,
winning a stunning 9-1.
Arniston rangers YFC posed to be a tough game for the lads as they came out on
top in a close 1-0 victory, prevailing into the next round.
Round four seemed to become a real mental strength test for Leith as they faced
OLM City, with their opponents holding a two-goal advantage, Leith managed to
overcome the setbacks and came out 4-2 winners.
The fifth round was a trip away to Gourock to take on Greenock HSFP AFC White,
which showed quality to walk away with a 5-2 victory.
As Leith looked to book a place into the quarter finals, they had to battle Edinburgh
United Youth FC Blacks for the spot which they did in style with a 5-1 win.
The quarter finals back in February began to raise hope for the finalists giving them
belief they could make it all the way, but in the path was a visit to Broxburn but a two-
goal cushion seen Leith into the semi finals after winning 3-1.
Awaiting them in the semi final were a Thorn Athletic YFC side who were also
dreaming of the cup final, however there could only be one winner and Leith stormed
through winning 5-1 to rubber stamp a place in Sunday’s final at Broadwood.
Eastside rapids are also an Edinburgh based team and will make a similar journey to
Broadwood on Sunday, so let’s reflect on their cup campaign so far.
A stunning 29 goals scored since round one, the finalists were certainly not shy
infront of goal showing true quality, setting up for an entertaining clash.
The squad were quick off the mark in round one with a high scoring victory 6-0
victory over Blackburn United.
KSQ Rapids posed the next hurdle for Eastside, putting up a strong fight but
Eastside came out 1-0 winners in a cagey affair.
Round three was a visit from Spartans Youth but in a similar manner to the opening
fixture it was a 6-1 win to progress through.
A winter trip to Mill United was next on the cards and Eastside cruised through
winning 2-0 in another strong performance away from home.
Round five proved to be an entertaining thriller pushing the boys in a dramatic 4-3
victory over Edinburgh City FC including a hat-trick for Eastside’s Christian
Lumsden.
Round six wasn’t much easier for the finalists as Musselburgh Windsor FC came
knocking and took the side to a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw.
It was a long journey into Glasgow to face their quarter-final opponents Knightswood
FC where Eastside walked away with a semi-final place booked against Rossvale
FC City after winning 1-0.
There were plenty of goals in the semi-final, with the majority falling the way of
Eastside Rapids as they confirmed the visit to Broadwood for Sundays final with a 6-
2 victory.
The game kicks off at 10:00am on Sunday at Broadwood stadium in Cumbernauld
and everyone here at Youth Football Scotland wishes both teams the best of luck!
