A REUNION to mark the 50th anniversary of Lauder Amateur FC clinching the South of Scotland Cup has been cancelled due to coronavirus.

Lauder triumphed 2-1 over Tweeddale Rovers at Netherdale, Galashiels, on May 15, 1970.

Members of the successful side had been planning to meet up this summer, but COVID-19 has put paid to the proposal.

George Threadgall, 71, told the Border Telegraph that he still treasures memories of Lauder’s achievement.

“It was like the European Cup for us,” said the former defender, adding: “I think half of Lauder was there that night.”

Led by coaches Jim Brotherston and Alex McDonald, Lauder went down 1-0 through an own goal, recalled Mr Threadgall, before roaring back to put their noses in front.

After Rovers hoofed a penalty kick over the bar in the dying minutes, Mr Threadgall and team-mates celebrated a famous victory when they arrived home.

“You go to Lauder and mention the South team and locals will bore you to tears about how big a thing it was for the town,” said Mr Threadgall, a retired engineer living in Linlithgow.

Lauder’s goals came courtesy of forwards Jimmy Gillie and Stan Seaton, said Mr Threadgall, with centre-half Kenny Rutherford being the unfortunate player who turned the ball into his own net.

The reunion had been planned for late July or early August in Lauder’s Golden Bannock pub, said Mr Threadgall.

Guests would have included Dave Elrick, now living in South Africa, who was Lauder Cornet in the year he helped his hometown side to the cup.

Mr Threadgall, a grandfather, was himself Lauder Cornet in 1972.