Match for Mary

Jim Leishman's 80s Select v Dick Campbell's 90s Select in charity match for the Mary Leishman Foundation

Since Mary Leishman's death in February 2009, Jim and his closest friends have celebrated her life by setting up the Mary Leishman Foundation to continue her legacy of caring.  The aims of the Foundation are to "encourage potential and ease distress".

This match on Sunday 6th November at East End Park was just one of a number of fund raising events that have been organised to raise funds (currently over £100,000).  Pars legends of the 80s and 90s and guest players made up the teams as Jim Leishman's 80s Select played a Dick Campbell 90s Select.

JIM LEISHMAN XI: John Hillcoat (Dave Westwood 52); Bobby Robertson (Graeme Robertson 16), Andy Williamson (Jamie Bishop 60), Grant Tierney, Bobby Forrest (Ian McCall 16 (Jim Bowie 62)); Ray Farningham (Jamie Leishman 52), Stuart Rafferty (Paul Smith HT), Stevie Morrison (Jim Leishman 52 (Stevie Morrison 60)), Paul McCathie (Ian Campbell HT); Ross Jack, Ally McCoist (John Watson 56).
SCORER: McCoist (54)

DICK CAMPBELL XI: Allan Fleming (keeper 62); Greg Shields, Ivo Den Bieman, Andy Tod (Ian Miller 60 (Allan Moore 78)), Scott McCulloch (Derek Fleming 43); Allan Moore (Hamish French 58), Hamish French (Gordon Smart 52), David Bingham (Jason Dair 46), Kenny Ward (Allan Preston 45); Andy Smith (Stevie Crawford 46), Owen Coyle (David Bingham 65 (Andy Tod 78)).
SCORER: Coyle (1), French (51)

REFEREE: John Rowbotham (Kirkcaldy - Dunfermline might not win anything at either end!)
WEATHER: Sunny 8C
ATTENDANCE: 1034

Dick Campbell fielded Kelty Hearts keeper Allan Fleming (brother of Pars keeper Greg).  Ally McCoist arrived to play in the Leishman XI upfront beside Elgin City Manager Ross Jack.

It took Owen COYLE just 35 seconds to find the net heading past John Hillcoat from eight yards out. In 18 minutes Hamish French struck a great 30 yard effort that Hillcoat tipped around his post while at the other end a McCall cross was headed over the bar by Stevie Morrison.

Hillcoat pulled off another fine save in 25 minutes as the All Blacks of Dick Campbell enjoyed the greater possession. Allan Moore struck a good shot but the red kitted stopper showed his class.  Fleming at the other end was tested by Ray Farningham as he stabbed a Stuart Rafferty cut back on target.

We were back in the 80s in 31 minutes as Ross Jack dived into a Farningham cross but he flashed the header wide right.  Defenders tended to have the upper hand Grant Tierney and Andy Williamson in Leishman's XI, Ivo Den Bieman and Andy Tod in the Campbell XI.  There were moments of magic punctuated by by some horrendous misses from David Bingham and Allan Moore.

As half time approached Andy Smith headed a Moore cross over the crossbar and then a crude tackle by Tierney on Coyle gave Scott McCulloch the chance to fire at target but McCoist in the wall took the brunt of a very familiar looking McCulloch rocket.

Half Time: Leishman's XI 0 Campbell XI 1

Ian Campbell, Dick's twin brother, and Paul Smith came on for the second half.  Allan biscuits Preston replaced Kenny Ward and missed a good opportunity with his first touch bringing out the comment "that shows why Allan's favourite musical instrument at school was the dinner bell"!

Allan Fleming pulled off a great save as McCall unearthed some of the class he used to grace East End Park with.  The Silver Fox, Hamish FRENCH was on the end of a Moore cross in 51 minutes and he finished clinically with a shot into the bottom right.

The lead was reduced back to one with a touch of vintage McCOIST.  The Rangers coach raced on to a great through ball from half way by Ian McCall.  Andy Tod was always in the slipstream of the former international striker and Super Ally sunk his shot beautifully into the bottom left from 20 yards, 2-1.

Ziggy Bowie powered over a great delivery from a 75th minute corner but McCathie header was kept out. Toddy came off the bench to be on the end of a Moore cross but his attempt came back down off the bar into the keeper's hands.

Final Score: Jim Leishman XI 1 Dick Campbell XI 2

Extremely entertaining commentary throughout the match was provided by Bill Leckie and Des McKeown.

Other fund raisers have included a walk from 23rd June along the Fife Coastal Path from the Tay Road Bridge to the Forth Road Bridge.  Jamie Leishman and fellow cyclists covered 120 mile trek from Aviemore to Keltybridge on the Mary Doll Bike Ride.  A fasion show was held at Keavil House Hotel and on 21st November Sara Wemyes will give a donation from all treatments in her Briudge Street beauty salon.

Jim Leishman has received two honours in recognition for his work with the Foundation. He was named Sports Person of the Year at the News of the World Bighearted Scotland Awards. Jim said of the award:-

"To win is a wonderful achievement - I'm very proud. It's been a tough journey since Mary passed away but I've met a lot of bighearted people along the way."

Jim was also presented with the Sunday Mail Great Scot Award for all his work with the Foundation and the inspiration he has been to the people of Scotland.