The Hanlon Stevenson Cup at Easter Road, home of Hibernian FC: In Support of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity

After months in the making, we returned to Easter Road for a very special occasion, the inaugural Hanlon Stevenson Cup. The match was played in memory of Ian McDonald and brought together two squads united by purpose. The Hanlon Stevenson Foundation team featured five Hibs legends, Darren McGregor, Ian Murray, Steven Tweed, Derek Riordan, and Marvin Bartley, along with fan favourites Barrie Wilkins and Frankie Mack. It made for a brilliant occasion and one we were proud to be part of.

The sun was beating down on Leith, but both teams rose to the challenge and produced a cracking match. Early on, James Ebbs kept Samba in it with a strong save to deny Riordan. At the other end, neat build up play ended with Dirk Otway sliding a lovely pass through for Darryn Cain, who finished calmly into the far corner for 1-0.

Not long after, the lead doubled. A mix up at the back gifted Barrett an open goal and he made no mistake. That sent Samba into the break 2-0 up after a top first half performance.

HSF pushed hard in the second half and kept the pressure on. With around 15 minutes to go, a long ball over the top gave them a way back at 2-1. Samba responded well though. Barrett and Michael Cairns combined down the right, with Cairns whipping in a brilliant cross. Johnny Cairns battled the keeper and set up Robbie Simpson for a simple tap in at the back post to make it 3-1.

There was still time for a moment of pure quality. HSF looked certain to score but Michael Cairns produced an outstanding goal line clearance, one of the best we have seen, to protect the lead.

When the whistle went, Samba Foundation FC lifted the inaugural Hanlon Stevenson Cup with a 3-1 win. A proud moment for the full squad.

Highlight of the Match

Michael Cairns’ incredible goal line clearance.

Amount Raised: £15,000

We had the honour of visiting Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity to hand over our share of the funds raised from the Hanlon Stevenson Cup. Together with the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation, a fantastic total of £15,000 was raised for the charity. Samba Foundation FC contributed £10,000 of that amount, with HSF raising a further £5,000.

It was a proud moment for everyone involved. The match meant a lot to both squads and the generosity from supporters, donors, and partners helped make a real difference for a charity that does incredible work for children and families across Edinburgh.

SQUAD

Kyle Barrett ⚽

Ross Brown (GK)

Kyle Boggie (c)

Darryn Cain ⚽ 🏆

Johnny Cairns 🅰

Michael Cairns

Alex Cameron

Barry Chambers

Stuart Chambers

Craig Darge

David Donald

James Ebbs (GK)

Paul McPherson

Dirk Otway 🅰

Darren Rintoul

Richard Rintoul

Robbie Simpson ⚽