Linlithgow Academy’s senior football team are set for the big stage tonight as they grace the hallowed turf at Hampden Stadium for the Senior Shield final.
The school and community are getting right behind the team as they are set to battle it out with St Ninian’s from Giffnock for the title.
Linlithgow have battled the odds throughout the competition to reach the showpiece final with captain and goalkeeper Matthew Wallace admitting he’s determined to keep punching above their weight in Glasgow.
Speaking to the Courier, he commented: “It’s a huge achievement to get there obviously but it’s not done yet. We want to go and win this game.
“I think we’re probably the underdogs but that’s been the case in a few of the games and we’ve picked up wins against sides who were amongst the favourites to win the competition.
“St Ninian’s won the final competition before covid but we’re really confident going into the game. It’s a one-off match in a cup final. We fully believe we can get the result.”
He added: “Covid meant we hadn’t played for two years and you can tell there’s a real togetherness in the team because of that.
“It’s a chance to play a game at Hampden which might never happen again so it would be really special to lift the trophy.”
Head coach Gary MacBrayne has experienced final defeat twice with the Academy and is hopeful it can be third time lucky.
He said: “There’s no league in West Lothian so we’ve only been playing in the cup this year and we’ve gone into every game with the mindset of not letting it be the last game they play and it’s served us really well.
“We’ve played some really great teams and taken a few scalps along the way. The guys have absolutely earned the right to be in the final and deserve their place but at the same time nobody wants to be satisfied just making it this far.
“We want to embrace it and enjoy it but win the game and bring the trophy back to Linlithgow.
“I’ve been to the final twice and lost so hopefully it’s third time lucky for me.”
He added: “The sixth year guys actually lost the final when they were in second year and this will be their last game before leaving the school so to finish their time at Linlithgow Academy on that high would be an incredible moment and achievement.
“It’s a big day for the school. We’ve got a good support heading through and plenty of the staff and parents will be making the trip so we want to give them all something to cheer. Everyone is absolutely buzzing because it’s a special occasion.
“St Ninian’s will be a very strong team but I’ve said to the lads it’s just about going out there and performing to the best and the result will take care of itself.”
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