Ardencaple 2003s 0

Oban 2003s 0

Ardencaple went agonisingly close to winning the league title after coming up just short in a final-day shootout with Oban.

Both teams went into the game knowing they could complete a league and cup double – but Ardencaple knew they needed a win whilst a draw would do for Oban.

In the first half you would have thought it was Oban dominated the first half and who needed the win as they dominated the game pushed Ardencaple back.

Ardencaple’s defence, superbly marshalled by Haughie, saw McKay, Allen and Andrews all combine to limit Oban to no clear cut chances from open play. But as against Drumchapel last week, Ardencaple struggled at corners.

Milton and Andrews both cleared shots off the line whilst keeper Fulton parried a few close-range efforts. Half-time came with Ardencaple fortunate to be level.

The second half was much more even with few scoring chances at either end.

The Helensburgh side’s best period of the game came in the last 15 minutes when shots from Evans and Milton troubled the Oban keeper. A fine turn by McGillivrey followed by an angled drive saw keeper Horne dive full length to keep the ball out of the Oban net.

Ardencaple went close when Gray beat two players out on the right before unleashing a low shot which beat keeper Horne in the Oban goal before scraping the post on the way bye the post.

Caple ran out of time and Oban were delighted to hear the final whistle to clinch the league by a point from Ardencaple. Ardencaple were left to rue the fact they only showed any urgency in the closing stages and not the whole game.

Ardencaple sportingly made a guard of honour as Oban came forward to lift the trophy after the game.