Award means little without Scottish Cup to go with it

Curran was star man for United in their 2-1 defeat, a string of saves in the first 45 in particular keeping his side in the game.

Unfortunately goalkeeper Curran’s performance to win the MOTM prize tells its own story about how periods of the game went for United.

The first half was pretty much one way traffic and only in the second did Leven show what a threat they truly could be.

Curran, who has also played his football in Levenmouth with Kennoway Star Hearts Juniors, said: “They were well on top in the first half, no doubt about it.

“But when we came out in the second half we got the goal and I thought we were the better team.

“We’ve come a long way but just came up that wee bit short.

“It’s been the same for us all season.

“We seem to play well in the first half or come out in the second and play a lot better.

“I don’t want to get too down hearted about it, it’s been a great run.

“There’s no consolation about getting the man of the match.

“We were here to win it.

“I was here to win it with my team.”

But the story of the season is far from over for Leven United, with other trophies, including the Fence N Deck cup, still up for grabs as well as a league title to secure.

Leven currently sit in second place in the Kingdom Caledonian League, trailing leaders Lumphinnans by four points as we went to press.

The two sides were due to meet on league business last night (Tuesday).

Curran says the side has to quickly brush off its Hampden disappointment and make sure it doesn’t derail what has already been a terrific season for United.

He said: “We’ll bounce back as a team and focus again on the league and the other cups.

“We still have a chance in the league - if we win our last three games then we win it.

“The final, playing at Hampden, was an added extra and it was something that I enjoyed with all my team mates.”

Across social media Leven United were praised for their efforts in getting to the final and performing so well on such a massive stage.

Some selected Tweets included:

@GlenvaleAFA

Credit to @levenunited for getting to the final, hope the boys can look back on a great experience at Hampden once the disappointment fades

@thomasshieldsxo

Hope the @levenunited boys enjoy their night and the full of Fife is proud of their efforts!! Done enough in my opinion but it’s football..

@davyf59

@levenunited Learn from it and go forward. Feel VERY proud of your efforts.

@Allyhunter

@levenunited Pain is temporary - Pride is forever.

We’re so proud of you lads. Well done. #LoveLeven #comebackstronger #cuprun