Our official supporters team FC Livingston GS were crowned the best of British on Friday night as they rounded off a remarkable nine-year journey with a dramatic victory in the Internet Football Association (IFA) British Cup Final against Preston North End at the UCLAN Sports Arena in Preston.

Despite their home advantage, the Preston crowd were vastly outnumbered and outsung by the players of GS’ rival sides from Ayr United, Hearts and Troon in an incredible show of allegiance with their fellow Scots.

After seeing off AFC Halifax Town, West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United and Runcorn Linnets during a thrilling run, GS headed for Lancashire full of hope that they could take the final step and claim the biggest prize in British supporters’ football. Such was that hope that they even abstained from their traditional party on the coach south from Livingston!

GS got the game underway, roared on by that vociferous Scottish support, and soon gained a foothold in the game, coming close to an opener when Tom Cheeseman curled a free kick into the box which was only marginally too high for Dave Black, who could only glance a header wide. Barely a minute later Black came even closer when Paul Miller lifted a fine ball over the top to him but his first-time strike was brilliantly pushed away by the Preston keeper. After those two early chances, there was a big let-off for GS early on though as Preston’s no.14 headed home a corner only to see it ruled out for a foul in the box.

GS then came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when Richie Kay curled a free kick against the post and, as the ball trundled along the line, both Darryll Butler and Richard Harrison tried to force it over the line but somehow the ball ended up in the keeper’s hands. Preston continued to carry a threat and came close when their no.7 saw his shot deflected into the arms of GS keeper Jordan McAlpine, who was the hero again soon after when he charged from his goal to win the ball from the advancing striker with an inch-perfect tackle.

The breakthrough finally arrived on 39 minutes and it was GS who got it as Black fired a cross in from the left which was gathered by Harrison and he took a touch, turned and fired a low shot into the corner of the net and spark wild celebrations on the touchline. It proved to be only a short-lived lead for GS however as, seconds after McAlpine had pulled off a spectacular save from a close range strike,  the resulting corner was knocked back across goal to be headed home from inside the six yard box. The goal was a blow but GS continued to press as half time approached but they couldn’t find a second as the teams went in at the break all square.

Half time: Preston North End 1-1 FC Livingston GS

GS picked up where they had left off as they took the game to Preston in the second half and Black had the first effort with an ambitious 40-yard effort which dipped too late to threaten the Preston goal.  A few minutes later they came close again as Kay’s inswinging corner was cleared off the line before Miller’s return ball was hooked clear. Miller was the provider again soon after as his cross was met by a looping header from Cheeseman which the keeper held well.

Despite their dominance, GS had to be wary and only a stunning save by McAlpine from a curling shot stopped them going behind. The next chance fell to GS again as Miller’s cross was knocked down by Harrison to Black and he fired in a decent low shot which the keeper gathered at the second attempt. Kay then cut in and fired a low effort from distance which the keeper did well to gather. Black and Harrison then had efforts from a similar distance which the keeper also held.  GS pressure was building and it was only a matter of time before the goal came and when it did, in the 90th minute, it was a thing of beauty.

GS were awarded a free kick 25 yards out and Richie Kay was the man charged with taking it. He stepped up and curled a majestic shot which looped over the wall and dipped perfectly into the corner of the net with the keeper left motionless. The celebrations which followed had to be seen to be believed as the entire GS contingent burst on to the field to celebrate with the players. Flares, streamers and smoke bombs were let off and it took some time for the pitch to be cleared again. Amid the jubilation, the Preston keeper was shown a straight red card for something said, or possibly done, to the referee.

The final whistle soon followed, sparking scenes of incredible emotion from the GS players as the enormity of their achievement began to set in. Just nine years ago GS were playing in mismatched Livi strips and, more often than not, finding themselves on the wrong end of heavy defeats. Even more remarkably, it is only three years since GS were finally accepted into the IFA and now they stand proudly, such a short time later, as the best supporters’ team in Britain.

Everyone at Livingston FC is extremely proud of all GS’ achievements and we send our heartiest congratulations to everyone involved with the club on their latest incredible success.