Edinburgh College FC secures promotion on final day of the season
Edinburgh College FC secured promotion on the final day of the season in a thrilling winner takes all match against West Calder United at the weekend.
Mark McGovern scored a sensational volley from the edge of the box to seal a 4-3 win for the College and pip fellow promotion place chasers West Calder United to third place, securing promotion to the Second Division of the East of Scotland Football League for next season.
The team travelled away to Hermand Park on Saturday needing a win or a draw to finish in third place as both teams on sat level on points, with the College having a better goal difference.
The occasion did not disappoint with 209 fans in attendance as both teams went toe-to-toe in a hard-fought game to see who would come out on top.
The College took an early lead and were 2-0 up heading towards half-time when West Calder got a goal back right before the break. The College would regain their two-goal cushion in the second half, before West Calder brought the game back to 3-3. McGovern had the pick of the bunch as he scored late in the game to take all three points for the College.
The College now joins Bo’ness Athletic and Armadale Thistle in gaining promotion from the Third Division into the Second Division – an incredible achievement for the College who are only in their second season in the football pyramid after joining in 2021.
Edinburgh College FC manager and Sport and Fitness lecturer George Thomson said: “This is an amazing achievement and I am so proud of the boys and everyone involved with the club. To win it the way we did was unbelievable, so all credit goes to the team for the determination and character they showed on Saturday and throughout the season.
“We’ve come such a long way after being established two years ago and are very much looking forward to the next step in our journey and playing in the Second Division. We’d also like to give thanks to West Calder United, they showed real class at the final whistle and provided fantastic hospitality as always. We wish them all the best for next season!”
Edinburgh College FC, which is made up of past and present students, was established in early 2021 playing their first competitive game later that year at the start of their inaugural league campaign in the Third Division of the East of Scotland League which sits under the SFA pyramid.
The club is always searching for sponsorships to help cover the costs associated with using facilities for training and playing matches. If you or anyone you know might be interested in sponsoring the club for next season, please email the club.
You can see the final league standings on the East of Scotland Football League website.
You can follow the team on Twitter.