Lothian football rivals illuminate Blackpool tournament

They had both come too far to be separated by the lottery that can be a penalty shoot out.

Especially as Musselburgh Windsor and North Merchiston under-13 footballers had travelled all the way to Blackpool to compete in the prestigious Fleetwood May Cup.

Both were undefeated and even their head-to-head ended 0-0.

So, coaches Pat McCluskey and Iain Ring-Macleod decided that the best outcome was to share the trophy with players, parents and organisers informed accordingly.

Iain said: “Both teams have had a good season in Division Two of the Edinburgh and Lothian Leagues challenging for top three spots.

“The boys are aged 12 – 13 and it was there first time away. The experience and development were far more important than winner takes all. “

Pat added: “In the days where grassroots football gets some bad press I believe we showed that good relationships between clubs and players still exist.”

The coaches also praised organisers for a well run competition.