21-05-2025
Family affair for Stirling Amateur Cup champ after Hampden glory
Dean Manson was part of the successful Steins Thistle side which claimed glory at the National Stadium - following in the footsteps of his grandfather.
It was a dream Hampden night for Stirling footballer Dean Manson as he proved that cup final success really does run in the family.
The 21-year-old was part of the successful Steins Thistle side who won the showpiece Scottish Amateur Cup final at the National Stadium for the first time in the club's history.
They defeated Wishaw outfit FC Pather 3-1 on Thursday night and avenged their defeat in the 2023 final where they lost out to Cupar Hearts.
But Manson had family history on his side, following in the footsteps of grandfather David Wade, who also lifted the cup in 1978 with Cambusbarron Rovers.
The pair shared an emotional moment with the trophy after the final whistle after David watched on to see his grandson achieve success.
He said: 'It was nice to watch history repeat itself.'
Manson's story isn't the only Stirling link to the Steins victory, with the Allandale club also boasting several local links in their squad and coaching staff.
They include Gianluca Deluca, Andrew McGown, Kyle Allison and Thomas Elvin.
Manager Kevin Valentine - who guided his side to the win from the famous Hampden dugouts, also lives in Stirling along with assistant manager Alan Joyce who lives in Dunblane.
The win secures Steins a spot in the preliminary rounds of the Scottish Cup proper - offering the chance for Dean and his team-mates to possibly earn a crack at SPFL opposition if they are able to navigate a couple of early matches.
They took the lead on the night after just two minutes courtesy of a quality run and finish from striker Stephen Donaghy, but Pather hit back with a stunning leveller on seven minutes.
A foul 35 yards from goal was punished in the most penal of fashion for Steins, Lee Dixon stepping up to bend a superb long-range free-kick into the net.
But once again, a goal was just around the corner in a pulsating opening to the match as Broomridge's Kyle Allison restored the Steins lead on 17 minutes.
A penalty was awarded for a clumsy challenge in the area and midfielder Allison was on hand to send the Pather keeper the wrong way.
Manson almost had a goal to cap off a perfect night, just missing the target from another Allison delivery, but the midfielder wasn't to be denied in an all-action display, driving forward before laying the ball wide for a cross which was ruthlessly dispatched by Donaghy.
