Winning the Jim Harvey Cup may have been decided over ninety minutes, but for Joe Noon it represents years of work behind the scenes.

Busby’s 2-1 victory over Westhill United secured silverware for the club after a season that has seen the side narrowly miss out on promotion and suffer cup disappointment elsewhere. For Noon, lifting the trophy was reward for a group of players who have developed together over several years.

Many of the current Busby squad were introduced to amateur football earlier than expected following changes to the youth game.

“We brung most of these boys through to amateurs early in their career due to changes in the SYFA,” explained Noon.

“There was no Under-19s league, so we decided to go amateurs in the colleges league. The first year was hard, but this year in the new-look SPAFA set-up in the Championship it was a good standard.”

While promotion slipped away by a single point and a Cinema Cup semi-final defeat to Rutherglen Glencairn ended another route to silverware, the Busby boss felt it was important that the season finished with something tangible.

“Unfortunately we just missed out on promotion by a point and lost the semi-final of the Cinema Cup to a very good Rutherglen Glencairn side, but it was good to get a piece of silverware at the end of it.”

The final itself did not begin the way Busby had planned.

Westhill settled quicker and took the lead, while Noon admitted nerves affected his own players during the opening stages.

“I honestly think our boys were nervous last night and it showed in the first 20 minutes. We played so many long balls that we never do.”

Once Busby settled and returned to their normal style, the game began to change.

“Once we settled down and found our way passing the ball through our midfield and into the feet of our striker, who holds the ball up so well to invite our midfield runners into the game, it was so much better.”

A crucial moment arrived just before half-time when Busby found an equaliser.

For Noon, that goal changed everything.

“Going into half-time a goal behind isn’t the best as our boys’ heads can go down and it lifts your opponents up, so to get that goal it was so important for us.”

As the second half unfolded, Busby gained control, but the challenge became even greater after being reduced to ten men late in the game.

“I thought as the game went on there was only going to be one winner, but when you go down to 10 men it’s a different thought.”

Despite the pressure, Noon was delighted with the determination shown by his players.

“I thought the whole team dug in and put their bodies on the line to hold on to the result.”

While the trophy was the obvious reward, one of Noon’s favourite memories from the night came from the stands rather than the pitch.

The club had cancelled junior and youth training sessions to encourage players, coaches and parents to attend the final, helping create a memorable atmosphere.

“Last night I can’t thank the club enough. They cancelled our full juniors and youths training schedule and encouraged everyone to attend the match.”

“It was a great turnout from both teams.”

The sight that stayed with him most was seeing the next generation of Busby players backing the team.

“It was great seeing all the Busby youngsters in their Busby kits with their drum. They loved it and I’m just glad we got the win for them.”

And perhaps that was the biggest takeaway from the evening.

As hundreds packed into Hamish B. Allan Stadium to watch a cup final played with passion, intensity and quality, Noon believes the occasion proved something many within the amateur game already know.

“Amateur football is very much alive.”