Allison sees Lothian Thistle make history

East of Scotland League Champions Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale will make history today when they face a senior side for the first time in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

SAUGHTON ENCLOSURE. ALL WEATHER PITCH.

The former works team of finance company Lloyds & Scottish host SPFL League 2 side Montrose and for Tom Allison it is another step along a fantastic journey.

Allison was involved in the club’s first ever game in 1969 and the present-day club secretary will be at the Saughton Enclosure when history is made. “I was the manager back in 1969,” said Allison, who has also been sponge man and kit man for the club. “However, Lloyds & Scottish would not let me carry on looking after the team when I changed employment so we founded Lothian Thistle.

“We won our first game out at Gyle Park 2-0 and facing a senior side had never been thought about then. Bearing in mind we weren’t allowed substitutes, played without nets and had a sponge in a plastic bag as our medical kit we can be forgiven for that.”