[2] THE BEAUTIFUL GAMES; Scotland's top sports team pick the classics that lit up the season.(Sport) - Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland)

Jim Leishman was insistent. Get there early, he stressed, or you'll be lucky to get near the ground.

Yeah, sure, Jim. A Third Division game between Livingston and East Stirling

But guess what? Queues snaked back from the turnstiles as the citizens of Livingston jostled to catch a first sighting of their new club in their brand new ground, Almondvale Stadium.

The programmes were sold out within 20 minutes, the pies were devoured by 1.45, car parks were overflowing and the huge crowd caused a 10 minute delay.

It was one of those rare days which anyone involved - player, official, fan or fan with laptop - will recall with affection. A day when the smile returned to the face of football. A day which left you with a warm, inner glow.

The game? I don't remember much about it. If memory serves me correctly, it was pretty insipid stuff.

But that's not the point. When it comes to feeling good about our national game, I couldn't have felt any happier driving away from a ground than I did that Saturday. Declared the Bard of Lochgelly, Mr Leishman: 'Football is about history and memories. This is a memory I'll cherish forever. I am so proud.'

He wasn't alone. Just being there was important. Livingston, the team, had united Livingston, the community.

Thanks, Jim, and everyone who helped Livvy win promotion. It was a pleasure to be involved.