Livingston won their second Challenge Cup title at the expense of a lacklustre Queen’s Park side, running out 5-0 winners in an extremely one-sided final. Aaron Fraser reports:
On a sun-kissed afternoon at The Falkirk Stadium, Scottish footballing history was on the line. Queen’s Park were competing in their first senior cup final in 125 years. Interim coach Steven MacLean had only been in the post for a few weeks following the dismissal of former boss Callum Davidson, but already had the chance to write himself into Spiders folklore.
David Martindale knows all about success in this competition. A man synonymous with Livingston FC, Martindale was involved at the club when they last lifted the Challenge Cup, a 4-0 victory over Alloa Athletic at McDiarmid Park in 2015. Despite winning several promotions and league titles as an assistant, a victory would earn Martindale his first trophy success as a manager.
Livingston enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the game’s opening stages. Christian Montano found Macaulay Tait, and the Hearts loanee teed up Stephen Kelly, but his ball into the box was well held by Queens goalkeeper Calum Ferrie.
The Spiders then passed up a huge chance to get their noses in front. Zak Rudden got in behind the Livingston defence and attempted to lob Jerome Prior, but couldn’t get enough purchase on his effort to break the deadlock.
Heading into this Sunday showdown, Queen’s Park were undefeated against Livingston so far during the 2024/25 season. That statistic looked to be under serious threat when Livingston took the lead after twenty six minutes. Jamie Brandon delivered a bouncing ball into the box, and Robbie Muirhead expertly flicked it up for himself before lashing a venomous volley into the bottom left corner. Cue bedlam in the Livingston end, as the Lions faithful wildly celebrated their side drawing first blood in the SPFL Trust Trophy Final.
The opening goal had arrived somewhat against the run of play, but after conceding first, Queen’s Park never looked like coming back into the game. Netting the opener appeared to give Livingston a much-needed confidence boost, and the Lions began to raise their performance levels as they went in search of another goal.
With seconds remaining in the first half, Livingston scored their second of the afternoon. Teti Yengi and Stevie May linked up excellently on the edge of the box, before May calmly slotted home from close range. This was a real blow to any hopes of a Queen’s Park comeback, and the Spiders players looked visibly rocked by conceding so close to the break.
Livingston started the second half with intent, looking to kill the game off as soon as possible. The ever-dangerous Muirhead was responsible for the first big chance after the restart, forcing a fine save from Ferrie.
Not content to rest on their laurels, Livingston netted for the third time a few minutes later. Robbie Muirhead played a delicate through ball for Tete Yengi, and Livi’s number nine showed great composure to round Calum Ferrie and score into an empty net.
Any lingering doubts regarding the full time result were put to bed after the third goal. Livingston’s ultras section cranked up the noise, and a party atmosphere filled two-thirds of The Falkirk Stadium. The Lions support had turned out in impressive numbers, and they were being treated to a fantastic performance from their side. Yellow smoke bombs, Serie A style flags and loud drumbeats were providing a carnival soundtrack to Livi’s footballing clinic. The vast majority of the 4,079 crowd were backing Livingston, and their players seemed to be feeding off the impressive noise being generated.
Martindale’s men should have made it four a few minutes later. Montano picked out Yengi, but he could only miss from a matter of yards out when it looked easier to score.
Andrew Shinnie had entered the field of play with fifteen minutes to go, replacing goalscorer Stevie May. His first involvement was to put the gloss on an already-imperious Livi performance by finding the back of the net. There was a fairly big slice of luck involved as Shinnie’s side-footed effort took a meaty deflection and sailed over the helpless Ferrie, not that he or anyone involved at Livingston cared one bit. A loud chorus of “Championees” greeted the fourth goal, as even the most resolute Queen’s Park supporters began to head for the exit doors.
Skipper Jamie Brandon scored an outrageous effort to put the cherry on top of the icing on an already delicious amber and black cake. Controlling a loose ball 25 yards out, Brandon let fly with a dipping half volley that soared into the top left corner. It was a fitting way to round off a ruthless performance, and the Lions captain was delighted with his long range strike.
Full time arrived shortly afterwards, and Livingston were crowned worthy winners of the 2025 SPFL Trust Trophy. After Queen’s Park recieved their runners-up medals, goal scoring captain Jamie Brandon hoisted the trophy amidst a light show and shower of confetti, before leading his teammates in a lap of appreciation to the vociferous travelling support.
Next up for Livingston is a midweek trip to face Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Queen’s Park will be looking for a return to winning ways as they host fellow Championship strugglers Airdrieonians on the same date.
