So after nearly 2000 miles and 18 matches the road to Hampden from Penicuik came to an end and the journey was complete
The day of the final (May 26th) was a lovely sunny day and both sets of fans were in good spirits and good voice.
The 'battle of the greens' was a fairly predicatble affair in terms of the outcome and Hibs have now lost 10 Cup Finals in a row since they last won the Big Cup in 1902.
The journey has been interesting for me - but not life changing or anything of that nature. I had some aspirations in terms of my 'football education' before I set off on the 'road'. I had hoped that at the end the journey I would know more about the mentality of Junior football and why those involved have not merged with the 'Seniors' (I am non the wiser !). I hoped I would find out a bit about Highland football and what makes that tick - I never got further north than Montrose. I hoped that I would hook up with one of the Old Firm earlier and learn a bit more about the bigotry that drives these horriblle organisations. The big education for me was to hook up with Hibs, sit with their fans - and realise that they are nice people ! In future when the chant goes up at Tynecastle 'stand up if you hate Hibees' I will remain seated. The support that the Leithers gave their team at this final tie was fantastic.
For the final (as with the semi final) I travelled through with Brian and Joe my two brothers who are both avid Hibs fans. As with the semi the pre match libation was at the Pool Rooms in Cathcart Road - handy ! The pic opposite shows the lads enjoying a pint and a whisky. My big pal from the Braids United Golf Club (Les Cranston) was also there and is on the right of the picture. All three looking quietly confident at this stage.
The massed ranks of the Hibs fans - all full of optimism before the kick off
This big fella looks happy to be there.
Action photo taken from my seat behind the goal. The match was a total damp squib for the Hibs fans as they lost 3-0 without putting up a fight. Celtic captain Scott Brown strolled around unflustered in midfield looking like someone who had played a proper game in the morning and was just having a relaxing kick around with his mates in the afternoon.
The Hibs players applaud their long suffering fans. Leither Leigh Griffiths leads the hand clapping.
