Bringing back the prestige to footie across Perthshire
The North of Tay Cup has failed to return to Perthshire across the past five years.
But Letham stand on the brink of changing that unwanted stat this evening and can write their name proudly in the history books.
For president of the Perthshire Amateur Football Association, Tom Latto, a showdown final victory would represent much more than simply lifting the trophy.
A triumph at Forfar’s Station Park would bring an added prestige back to the local amateur football scene, which has perhaps been lost in recent times.
Latto explained:“It would be a tremendous boost for Letham AFC and a fitting end to their season after the recent sad loss of their founder and club stalwart Ken Drummond, who will be remembered by all in Perthshire Amateur Football.
“It would also be a boost to the Perthshire Amateur Football Association and member clubs should Letham succeed in capturing the North of Tay trophy back to Perthshire.
“Over the past few years the trophy has remained in the Midlands AFA area after wins by Vale of Earn AFC in 2008-09, Breadalbane AFC in 2009-10 and Burrelton Rovers AFC in 2011-12.
“A Perthshire victory would raise the profile of the association and it’s member clubs once more as was seen in the past.
“Association committee members will be represented at the game along with a good Letham AFC following and other member club officials, players and supporters hoping for an open and exciting game.
“Station Park, Forfar is an artificial surface similar to Letham AFC’s home pitch at Seven Acres and should allow them to play a controlled and attacking style against their opponents Douglas AFC who are an experienced side.”
Letham’s dominance this season - winning all 18 of their league games en route to the title - is a spectacle which has rarely, if ever, been witnessed locally.
“Letham AFC have been very impressive in all competitions throughout this season,”Latto said.
“They once again reached the seventh round stage of The Scottish Amateur Cup losing out after a replay to a very good, experienced Oban Saints AFC.
“To date Letham AFC have won all their games in PAFA league and cup competitions this season having already won the PAFA Division One title, Ashleigh Cup, Perthshire Cup, Smith League Cup and the Perth and District Cup.
“There have in the past been some clubs dominating the Perthshire Association fixtures, such as Guildtown and Ballinluig in the 60s and Errol AFC in the early 70s.
“But not quite to the same degree, winning every domestic match in one season, as far as our records and memories can ascertain.”
The majority of amateur football action has come to a close for the season and Latto is reflecting on a productive campaign.
And, moving forward, there are hopes that the set-up can continue to be improved upon.
Latto told the PA:“The season has been successful so far and almost all fixtures completed before the end of May.
“Indeed a supplementary cup competition was required for this season to continue some clubs participation throughout May.
“The three new entrants to the PAFA leagues, Letham Community AFC, Moncrieff AFC and Blair Thistle AFC, have consolidated their positions and should make further progress during next season.
“Letham dominated Division One but Division Two and Three were much tighter contests eventually won by Bridge of Earn and Kettins respectively.
“Hopefully next season will be even more exciting with other member clubs seeing the success of Letham and may yet even produce new club applications to join the Association.
“The PAFA would like to see more Perthshire clubs progressing to later rounds of the Scottish and North of Tay cups despite the possibility of later fixture congestions.
“It is anticipated that there will be changes to the PAFA executive committee at the forthcoming AGM to continue the smooth running of the Perthshire AFA during next season and in the future.”
The Perthshire Amateur Football Association is looking for a new secretary for the forthcoming season, with the impending retiral of current secretary Steve Bonthrone . Any interested parties should initially contact Steve on 07578067888 or Tom on 01738 840590. PAFA president Tom Latto