Beating Adversity

The Scottish League Cup begins this weekend and for Forfar defender Marvin Andrews playing in the competition invokes memories of overcoming adversity as well as the fans of Saturday’s opponents, Rangers, reducing him to tears.

The now 37-year-old stopper was at the heart of a Livingston defence that lifted the three handed trophy in March 2004 and their victory at Hampden was another indication to Andrews that extra-ordinary things can happen in football.

Andrews was actually missing as the Lions started their 2003/04 CIS Cup campaign, where it would also end, with a win at Hampden as Queen’s Park were seen off 3-1. He was however restored to the heart of their defence as Dundee United were defeated at Tannadice in the next round with a 1-0 success.

That win was earned against a backdrop of increasing uncertainty with Andrews advising: “At the time playing football was a great distraction as we all knew that at one time the club would go into administration. It was a time of adversity but we had to concentrate on playing our games.”

“Dundee United were a good side but we worked hard and we were blessed with a win.”

Andrews and Livingston headed further north for their quarter final success with Aberdeen being edged out 3-2 with the Trinidad and Tobago internationalist saying: “That game was a real neck and neck meeting and it went to extra time. We were ahead twice but they came back before Lee Makel scored the winner. Going to Dundee United and Aberdeen and getting wins showed everyone how hard we were still working.”

By the time February’s Semi-Final against Dundee came around Livingston had joined the Dens Park club in administration, in fact Livi were placed in administration just hours before kick-off at Easter Road.

The players pushed that to one side and won 1-0 to set up a return to the National Stadium with Andrews saying: “That was a tough game for us mentally but it was an amazing victory. Players were losing their jobs that day but we just got on with things. There was not much in the game but we got there.”

The win was achieved with a last gasp penalty from Derek Lilley and Andrews was asked if he had fancied the chance of being a hero and he joked: “I looked in the opposite direction as I have never wanted to take a penalty. I leave that to the strikers.”

Livingston moved on to Hampden to face an up and coming Hibs team and it was no surprise that they were massive underdogs for the game.

Andrews explained why saying: “In the build-up to the game everyone was focusing on Livingston being in administration and how good the young players at Hibs were. They had Kevin Thomson, Garry O’Connor, Derek Riordan and Scott Brown in their ranks, really good up and coming players. They were a more than decent team, a bigger club and we had been weakened by administration. We actually let another player go just before the Final when Quino left us.”

“I remember coming out of the tunnel at Hampden and seeing a sea of green and white. There was a small section of gold for Livingston and that could have been unsettling however we were determined to win the Cup for the players who had lost their jobs.”

It looked like the Final was going as predicted when Hibs started on top with Andrews saying: “We were nervous and I had to clear an early effort from Garry O’Connor off the line. We came in at half-time with the game goalless and David Hay along with Jim Leishman were quick to tell us that we were still in it. They told us that we could win it and their efforts refocused us.”

Just a few minutes into the second half and that focus had brought two goals with Andrews saying: “Derek Lilley put us ahead and then Jamie McAllister burst through to get a pass from David Fernandez to make it two. That was a really satisfying goal as we had practiced that move over and over again in the build-up to the Final.”

There was no further scoring and Livingston had won a famous victory with Andrews beaming: “A fantastic achievement over a lot of adversity. The club was in a bad way, there was lots of uncertainty and it was a really emotional time.”

“It says a lot about the character of the players and the Technical Staff that were at the club at that time that we stood together and came out winners. Like the Livingston fans March, 14 2004 is a very special day to me. I purchased two pictures of that success, one of them an overhead shot of the scene at Hampden, and have them on display. Winning the first ever Cup as Livingston meant so much.”

Andrews left West Lothian that summer for Rangers, however his passion for the Lions still burns as he explained: “It was a very special time to be at Livingston and I am glad I was.”

The move to Ibrox was another special time for Andrews who said: “The next two seasons were amazing for me because of what God helped me to achieve. There was a bit of a controversy over my knee but I was able to keep playing and it was really special to win the SPL Title with them.”

Rangers pitch up at Station Park tomorrow and Andrews who also donned the colours of Raith Rovers, Hamilton Accies, Queen of the South, Wrexham, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Albion Rovers is looking forward to facing the Light Blues.

The giant stopper said: “This is only the second time I have been involved against Rangers since I left them so it is a great occasion for me. I was against them once for Hamilton and the fans gave me a great reception, in fact I had tears in my eyes.”

“I am looking forward to the Scottish League Cup tie as it should be an exciting game. I am hoping to be involved and playing for my new Manager Dick Campbell. I have enjoyed working with him and I would describe him as a characteristic Scottish manager. He has a strong sense of humour and you can tell he is very experienced and I have enjoyed working with him.”

“I know it is Rangers we are playing but I am looking for us to work hard and win the game. Anything is possible as winning the trophy with Livingston proved.”