A FESTIVE tradition in Cardross is set to return in the form of an annual New Year football match between the married and single men of the village.

Back on track this season after a short hiatus, the match is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 2 at the village's Station Park football ground.

Village resident Murray Buchanan said: "This is an event well worth making the effort to attend because without doubt, there is a lot of tradition involved and many with close links to the village and thought they could kick a ball have participated.

"Some recall this fixture being held as far back as 1948 but what is definite is that this highly competitive fixture commenced in its current format as the Drew Purdie Memorial Cup in 1994 which is presented to the winning team.

"Over the years, it would be fair to say that the married men have come out on top most often and this year once again we can be sure that the single’s will try to turn the tables on their opponents.

"There are many fine stories of single men elevating themselves over the years to the married team to get a win but there are also stories of married men that went the other way!"

Players should have a close link to Cardross through either having lived or are living in the village or have close ties to local families - though anyone who turns up with football boots will get a game.

Following the excitement of the match the players and bemused crowd will take themselves off for post-match refreshments to be followed later with an evening of entertainment.

Over the years these events have been held in either the Muirholm Hotel, the Coach House Inn or the Cardross Bowling Club, and in 2017 it is the turn of the Bowling Club.

Players are asked to meet at Station Park at 12.30pm for a 1pm kick-off.

Following the match all will proceed to the bowling club for post-match refreshments. Adults and children welcome.

The evening is adults only where entertainment along with snacks will be provided.

Murray added: "We look forward to this being well supported by Cardross locals as we hope to rekindle interest and ensure that this tradition continues for many years to come.

"The only thing that is out of our control as always is the weather and although the fixture has been played in blizzard conditions, gale and horizontal rain and solid ice in the past the organisers reserve the right to abandon if necessary.

"In this event, we will just spend longer in the bowling club."