Leithen Rovers v Highfields United at Volunteer Park, Hawick

2pm 18 May 2024

Border Amateur League, Beveridge Cup Final at Volunteer Park, Hawick
Leithen Rovers 3 Highfields United 4 aet (att 130)

At this late stage of a football season there's always a risk of meaningless matches not taking place, so seeking out a fixture with something at stake is a always good idea.

A cup final fits that bill perfectly and, when the venue is a rugby stadium that's only occasionally used for the round ball game, it becomes even more attractive.

This season's Beveridge Cup was for teams in the second tier of the Border Amateur League. Berwick-based Highfields went into the final as favourites, having won promotion as divisional runners-up.

They lifted the trophy, but it was far from easy and they needed extra time to see off Leithen Rovers, who will finish fourth in the 13-team league.

Highfields scored the only goal of a tight first half, a brilliant free kick from distance that was arrowed into the top corner of the net. Not long later they had an effort cleared off the line, as did Leithen as half time approached.

In the second half Highfields' lead looked safe until an under-hit back pass was seized upon, and a cool finish levelled the score.

The game looked to be heading for extra time, and ultimately it did, but not before late drama. Highfields thought they'd won it with a 90th minute second goal, only for Rovers to equalise again in stoppage time.

Highfields took the lead for the third time in the first period of stoppage time, but in the second period Leithen equalised yet again. It took a late fourth goal before they were finally defeated.

Even then Highfields had to see out the final minutes a man down, after the scorer of the winning goal received a second yellow card for removing his shirt celebrating.

The venue was Volunteer Park in Hawick, home to Hawick Linden RUFC. The playing surface is artificial, and the ground's main feature is a large seated stand that runs the length of one side. The rest of the ground is flat standing, with the far end out of bounds.