Ardencaple FC’s 2003 age group team finished the 2017-18 season as triple champions after a 3-1 win over Summerston in the final of the Glasgow and District YFL’s Supplementary Cup.

Played under blazing sunshine next door to Hampden, the final was an exciting match in front of a large crowd.

Caple played some attractive football early on, but it was their opponents who struck first against the run of play when their captain’s long-range effort was deflected in off the post.

This seemed to spur Summerston on, but Caple slowly but surely regained control and efforts from Connor Mullender and Cole Murray slipped narrowly past.

Midway through the first half, after nice build-up play on the left by Michael McKell, Hansen Newton turned the Summerson defence but saw his shot blocked.

But Caple’s efforts were rewarded after 30 minutes when striker Luke Evans won back possession inside the Summerston box before turning to create space and powering his shot into the far corner.

After a well-earned rest and water break at half time, both defences looked solid early in the second half, but it was Caple who showed first when Iain Cameron shot narrowly over following a neat interchange of passing with Ali Paxton.

Caple then moved up a gear and it was no surprise when they went in front courtesy of a brilliantly placed header from Luke Evans, following a pacey run down the left wing by Michael McKell and a perfect cross.

The soaring temperature was now definitely having an effect and hesitancy from the Summerston defence allowed Michael McKell to latch onto a long through-ball before advancing into the box and calmly slotting the ball past the keeper.

Caple could even have scored a fourth in the dying minutes when Iain Cameron chipped a delightful pass onto big Luke but he was denied his hat-trick and taking home the match-ball when his final shot went inches past.

Club chairman Craig Holborn said: “This was a great performance, indeed similar throughout the entire season, from the full squad – a strong defence, comfortable in the knowledge that they were protected by a superb goalkeeper, a highly skilled midfield, combining the perfect balance of composure and will to win, and supported by a powerful strike force offering pace and vision.

“Three trophies in the one season and against such stiff competition is a fantastic achievement.”

Caple’s 2003s can now look forward to a well-earned break before preparations begin for the 2018/19 season, which is due to be capped off by the boys travelling to Europe to participate in an international football festival.

Not content to rest on their laurels, Caple are looking to continuously improve and are ready to build on this season’s success by adding to their squad over the summer. Any players interested in coming on board for next season, including the European trip, should contact coach Rik Murray on 07896 871373.