Linton Hotspur Select 1

Legends Eleven 1

SUNDAY was a day for honouring Linton Hotspur's driving force, Campbell Forsyth.

And it was also an opportunity to celebrate the giant strides made at New Moor Road in recent years.

Despite the afternoon chill, a large and enthusiastic crowd lined the Hotspur ground to pay tribute to the village team's centre-half.

Facing up to the home side was a cast of all stars brought together by the Head of Youth Development at Rangers, Creag Robertson.

Pre-kick off, a guard of honour was formed by both sets of players for Campbell.

And he was also presented with a commemorative signed shirt as well as other memorabilia to mark his testimonial match.

Among the bustling crowd was Hearts striker Stephen Maclean, fresh from collecting his runners-up medal at Hampden the previous day.

But once the whistle went, all eyes were on a thrilling encounter.

Campbell was joined by his brother, Gregor, and father, Neil, in the heart of the Hotspur defence.

They were made to work as former Hibernian and Rangers ace Kevin Thompson showed he'd lost none of his ability with a few eye-catching passes.

And he was ably assisted across the middle of the park by former Hibernian and Berwick Rangers star Steven Notman.

It was Notman who broke the deadlock midway through the first half with a deflected shot.

But the village team were far from finished and they mounted a comeback in the second half.

Despite the attentions of Livingston manager Gary Holt, Mikey McEwan chipped the Legends keeper from the edge of the area to make it 1-1.

At the final whistle Campbell paid tribut to everyone who had supported his testimonial and also helped bring Linton Hotspur back to life just over a decade ago.

He said: "It's is extremely humbling, and somewhat overwhelming, that the club has granted me the honour of this match to mark the 10 year anniversary of our re-establishment in 2008/09 and my role in the club over the ensuing years.

"Whilst we had grand plans and ambitions for the Hotspur at the outset in 2008, I think what we have managed to achieve to date has surpassed all levels of expectation."

Sunday's match raised almost £3,500 for Maggie's Centres and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Campbell added: "I am extremely grateful that the club has provided me with the opportunity to raise funds for two charities which mean so much to me and my family."

Linton Hotspur's Testimonial Committee would like to thank events sponsors CBRE, who provided the home strips, and match ball sponsors and caterers Pyet Deli.

They would also like to thank Neil Forsyth, who organised the Hotspur squad, and Creag Roberston, who co-ordinated the Legends.

Ivan Mackenzie from the committee told us: "What a fantastic day and I am sure this will be talked about for years to come.

"This formed our final event to celebrate the club's 10th year anniversary.

"Both personally and on behalf of the committee, I’d like to say how grateful we are to our sponsors, helpers, coaches and the wider West Linton community for their generosity over the years."