Whitburn FCA clinch U14 Harry Smith Memorial County Cup

Another season, another Harry Smith Memorial County Cup campaign drew to a close and, this time, Whitburn FCA finished champions.

In a 1-0 victory full of passion, heart & desire, Whitburn won in the closing moments against Murieston United to take home the cup.

The Harry Smith Memorial County Cup is named after the father of the league secretary and is the main cup for this age group, so it is the big one. It meant a lot for both sides to be there in the final of a prestigious competition.

Murieston United Route to the Final:

A bye in the first round drew them against Livingston FCC and a comfortable 3-1 victory set them up with Kirkfield United in the quarters. They’d win 4-2 to send them to the semi-finals as they beat Blackburn United 4-2 to book their place in the final.

Whitburn FCA Route to the Final:

A close 2-1 win against Linlithgow Rose in the first round matched Whitburn with Bo’ness United where they’d win 6-0. This was followed by a huge 9-1 victory against Murieston Navy in the quarters sent them to the semis where they had another huge victory, 8-0 against Falkirk Foundation.

The first half was kicked off by Murieston, but it was Whitburn who had the first attempt at goal. The corner and six-yard box scramble weren’t enough to test Carson Stewart in goal.

Whitburn’s star winger, Jamie Murphy, had a great game and got his first chance early on as in the seventh minute, he took the ball from right to left with great skill, but the keeper pulled out a strong save to keep the score level.

Both teams had chances. Murieston kept the ball well and tried to hit Whitburn on the counter when they lost the ball, but Alasdair Brown stood strong in goals to come out and retrieve it for Whitburn.

The opening 35 minutes drew to a close with the score level at 0-0. A huge second half was to come for both teams as they look to break the mould.

It was Whitburn who came out stronger in the second half, Barry McIvor came so very close yesterday to breaking the deadlock, but his shot was just wide of the post.

Whitburn then piled on the pressure, a lot of chances but the back line of Murieston stood strong.

On the 52-minute mark, a great passage of play put the ball in the back of the net but the pass to the crosser was offside and the goal was pulled back.

With momentum in their hands now, the game was Whitburn‘s for the taking and, ten minutes later, their moment came. Aaron Gill’s cross was turned in for the advantage in the dying embers of the game.

And that is all she wrote; an own goal was enough for the win in an end-to-end game and the cup final.

Murieston United Magic Moment & Player of the Match:

For Murieston, their passion throughout the game was immense, the challenges and shouts from all the players were great but some moments include the goalkeeper, Carson Stewart, making some great saves throughout the game to keep the score as low as it was.

Whitburn FCA United Magic Moment & Player of the Match:

For the victors, Jamie Miller was amazing. A skilful player who was a handful for defenders all game.

The magic moment for the winners was the goal which gave them the victory, a gift for their great performance throughout the second half.