The sun shone as the Scottish Cup made a special trip to Alexandria on Saturday – 140 years after the original Vale of Leven FC lifted the trophy for the third consecutive season.

In the dramatic 1879 final, the side drew 1-1 with Rangers, forcing a replay, which the Glasgow club refused to play after disputing a disallowed goal in the Hampden showdown, sending the cup westwards.

This time round, the famous piece of silverware arrived in the Vale in slightly different circumstances to promote walking football, as the junior side drew with Muirkirk in their last home game of the season.

The visit to Millburn Park was arranged by Phil Dawson, the organiser of the Vale of Leven Walking Football Club, whose players took part in a demonstration game at half-time.

The Dumbarton resident said: “I have gotten to know the chairman of Walking Football Scotland over the last few months and I told him we were struggling to get new players to come along and play.

“He suggested that he knew someone at the SFA who knows people in the right places to try and get the Scottish Cup down.

“It was planned for three months, but it was only 24 hours before that I definitely knew it was happening.

"It was a very good afternoon with quite a few people down and children getting photos with the cup.

“I’m very happy. It’s great for the football club – I’m not too sure if the trophy has been back there since 1879, when Vale of Leven last won the Scottish Cup.

"It surely hasn’t been to Millburn Park, as they moved there about ten years after.”

Phil has been running the group since March last year and while they usually play at Vale of Leven Academy, they will be moving around venues in the coming weeks due to school holidays and the exam period.

In addition to Monday night games, the group have played in a demonstration at Broadwood Stadium and in a football festival at Glasgow Green against former professionals such as Alex Rae, Gordon Dalziel and Robbie Neilson.

The 53-year-old, however, is keen to get more players involved, so that they too can reap the benefits.

Phil added: I got involved in walking football about four years ago and I was travelling back and forwards to Glasgow to play.

“About a year ago, I thought why I am travelling to all these places, why don’t I set up on my own club.

“It’s a fantastic group of guys who come along every week, but there are not enough of us. There are between eight to 12 players, so we need to build up new people.

"The last couple of weeks though we have had 15, which has been brilliant.”

“It’s great socially for people who do not feel fit enough for normal football or who have had illnesses or injuries in the past.

“It’s normally for people over 50, but I feel that doesn’t include the people who are missing out who are under 50 who are not capable of playing normal football anymore.

“Socially, mentally and fitness-wise it’s really good.”

The group next play on Monday at Argyll Park from 7.45pm to 9pm.

To find out more message their Facebook page, @lomondwfc on Twitter or phone 07814 540 035.