The Wilson Trophy

On 18 June 1938 Lochgelly Albert defeated local rivals Lochgelly Violet to win the Sunnyside (or Wilson) Charity Cup for the first time.

The trophy was donated by Provost Wilson in 1937 and holders Violet had won the inaugural competition with a 7-5 victory across two legs.

The Albert, League Champions and runners-up in the Fife, West Fife, and Cowdenbeath Cups, were quickly two behind before Allan reduced the leeway. Penman scored his second to increase Violet’s lead and despite a goal from Albert striker Harley, Violet comfortably won the first leg 4-2. The game was played at Stewart’s Park, Lochgelly, in front of a crowd of almost 2,000.

In the return leg the game was level at half-time but two Albert goals in quick succession levelled the score at 5-5.

The match went to extra time with both sides scoring to make the score 6-6. Corners were counted to determine the winner, the Albert securing victory by 4 corners to 1. Scorers in the second leg were Clarke, McDonald, Harley and Reid.

Gate receipts across both legs amounted to £50 with proceeds going to charity.

In June 1938 annual membership of the Lochgelly Albert Supporters Club was fixed at 1/- with a reduced fee of 6d for ladies.

The photograph shows prolific Albert forwards Harley and Allan.

VIOLET LEAD IN LOCHGELLY “DERBY”. Lochgelly Violet built up a useful lead at Stewart’s Park, Lochgelly, last night in the first of their two games with Albert for the Wilson Charity trophy.

Violet, the holders, played several of their newly-signed players and the recruits gave a convincing display against the Albert regulars.

Violet were the more enterprising side, and Liddle and Penman scored early on. Allan reduced the leeway, Penman restored the Violet’s two-goal lead, but once more the leeway was reduced, this time by Harley.

In the second half Violet’s superiority was marked, and for long periods they confined play to the Albert’s half. Penman gave them a fourth.

The game was watched by nearly 2000.

The second game will be played at Stewart’s Park on Saturday.

LOCHGELLY VIOLET. – Gianandrea; Pringle and Mullan; Stenhouse, Fleming and Russell; Liddle, Turner and Penman, Hunter, and Byrne.

LOCHGELLY ALBERT. – Donnachie; Taylor and Graham; Barnes, Cranston, and Stewart; Clark, Reid, Harley, Whyte, and Allan.

Referee – J. Thomson, Lumphinnans. The Courier and Advertiser, Thursday, 16 June 1938, 9.

CORNERS COUNT. Corners were counted in the Wilson Charity Cup final between Lochgelly rivals. Play is on the home and home principle. After being down 4-2 in the first game the Albert made a good recovery against the holders. Violet were held to a draw of one goal each in the first half, but their opponents scored twice in quick succession.

Extra time was necessary. Albert won by one goal 4 corners to one goal 1 corner.

Goal-scorers were: – Albert – Clarke, M’Donald, Harley, and Reid. Violet – Liddell and Turner. Gate for the two games was £50. The Courier and Advertiser, Monday, 20 June 1938, 10.