LEITHEN Vale Sports Club under 13s have made it to the final of the Persevere Cup in their first year in the South East Region Youth Football League.

The competition is well named, with the final being the 17th match following 14 matches playing the seven other teams in their group home and away, a quarter-final win against Melrose and then a semi-final, beating Haddington Athletic by the narrowest of margins.

Played on Sunday, June 4, at Vale of Leithen’s Victoria Park ground, it was a very evenly-matched game with both teams going close until the deadlock was broken by Haddington with 10 minutes to go.

However, Leithen Vale hit back only a few moments later. The last minutes were tense with both teams attacking trying to find the winner.

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Finally it went to penalties where Leithen Vale stayed calm to slot all five of their penalties.

A crucial save by goalie Lucas Davidson meant that the home club claimed a place in the final.

The final is against Musselburgh Windsor FC and takes place today (Friday, June 16) at 7pm at the Saughton Enclosure ground, west Edinburgh.

Head coach Mikey Wilson said: "The team has shown great commitment and resolve to get this far.

“It’s the first time Leithen Vale has stepped up to 11-a-side and continued a team into high school age for a generation so it’s been a learning experience for us all but we’ve been on a journey. The whole squad has done nothing but impress me."

Coach Kev McKinnon added: “We’ve had a number of tight matches where we’ve dug in and often pulled it out of the bag at the last moment showing real self-confidence and so the team has really developed."

Assistant coach Colin Williams said: "It’s been a long season and we didn’t expect to still be playing fixtures in late June, so much so that as a new year’s resolution I entered an ultramarathon in the German Alps which turned out to clash with the cup final.

“I’ve now cancelled my race to be at the match as part of the team, but instead, to raise funds for the team next year, I am running from the Leithen Vale pitch in Innerleithen to the cup final ground in Edinburgh earlier on match day.

“The route will go by Peebles, West Linton and through the Pentlands to Balerno before following the Water of Leith to the pitch, about 40 miles."

Funds are needed to cover some of the additional costs including kit, equipment, hire of the full-size, all-weather pitches over the winter, and paid match referees. You can donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lvsc2010u14

A club spokesperson said: "Many thanks to our sponsors Cavalry Transport & Courier Services, Fred Olsen Renewables, and BARC Travel who are also laying on a coach to take the team, family and supporters for the Friday evening.

"Also a big thank you for all the assistance and backing over the season to Vale of Leithen FC for use of their ground and club house facilities, Leithen Rovers FC for use of their goals and special thanks to Jim Rainey for marking the lines and for announcing the teams on the PA system – it has been a whole Innerleithen football community effort."