A BOOK charting the lead-up and events of one of the greatest games in Alloa Athletic’s history has been released.

The Bell’s Challenge Cup Final 25th Anniversary has been written by Alloa historian John Glencross and kicks off the celebrations as the club looks to remember a momentous day in their 146-year history.

John has prepared a complete run through of the events leading up to the cup final, in which Alloa beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle on penalties after an exhilarating 4-4 draw.

He commented: “It is difficult to believe that these events took place now 25 years ago at the Shyberry Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie.

(Image: John Glencross)

“As an Alloa Athletic fan, it was a dream to have the Wasps in a national cup final which took place on a rain sodden pitch.

“It was a high powered game which kept the fans spellbound, having been ahead four times in the match but had to be settled by a penalty kick shoot out.

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“It was a great result for the club and Clackmannanshire but the game was also a great advert for football.”

Alloa’s cup victory capped off a momentous run in the competition, having beaten four full-time clubs all away from home.

Going in as the underdogs, Alloa took the lead against their higher league opponents four times, but were pegged back by the resolute Caley Thistle.

Settled on penalties, the tie was won by goalkeeper Mark Cairns, who rifled home his penalty before going on to save the final spot kick from Inverness.

John added: “The Alloa Athletic fans in the stands were hugging each other and many a tear was shed coming to terms with what they had just witnessed.”

The Bell’s Challenge Cup Final 25th Anniversary is now on sale and can be purchased, along with all of John’s other books, by emailing jgxalloafc@aol.com.

John also runs a memorabilia exhibition, a must-visit for any Alloa fan, which can be found at Glasstown House on Castle Street. The Hub opens from 11am to 2pm on Fridays and Saturdays.