Season 2012/13 finally concluded with one last trip to Scotland. Glasgow was today's destination as Hurlford United took on Auchinleck Talbot in the League Champions Cup Final at Pollok.
As is usually the case for most of the cup finals in the West Region, Newlandsfield Park was the choice of venue for the final.
The ground is situated adjacent to Pollokshaws East train station and is more or less landlocked by flats and a supermarket.
The ground is yet another fine example of a Scottish Junior ground. Opened in 1928, Newlandsfield Park has a capacity of 4,000 and the large stand can hold up 1,500. The social club is outside the ground but I chose the 5 minute walk to the local Wetherspoon's for my pre-match beverage.
The format of the competition has changed where before it was the West Region's Cup Winners and League Champions, it is now just the Champions. Today pitted the Super League Premier Champions (Auchinleck) against the Super League First Division Champions, (Hurlford). Today was the first all Ayrshire final since clubs from Ayr were admitted into the competition in 2002.
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| Hurlford provide a guard of honour for 2013 Junior Cup Winners Auchinleck |
Auchinleck came into the game fresh from winning Scottish Junior Football's top prize, the Junior Cup itself, after beating Linlithgow Rose 1-0 at Livingston last Sunday.
It would be a big ask for Hurlford United for to win today and so it proved as they were comprehensively outclassed by Auchinleck, who gave the impression of of team that did really have to go through the gears to win the match and trophy.
Two first half goals from Ray Montgomery (22 & 27) put the 'Bot in control. Any hopes Hurlford had of a comeback were dashed on 55 minutes John Craig was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge. An own goal 11 minutes from time sealed the win for the Beechwood Park men.
An enjoyable finale to season 2012/13, spent in very good company, even if the game was a little anti-climatic.
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| 2013 Evening Times Cup Winners - Auchinleck Talbot |
In a shock move I've claimed my seat back and returned to the fold at Goodison Park for Roberto Martinez's debut season, so this is going to curtail my groundhopping a little.
It's goodbye for now, Thanks for reading.
Chris :)
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