ARDENCAPLE FC’s 2006 team found the going tough with back-to-back defeats away to Port Glasgow in the league and Broomhill in the cup.

Against Port Glasgow, Caple started on top in the first half, but in the heavy grass conditions failed to create any early chances.

After 10 minutes Cooke created space for himself on the right and his powerful drive hit the side netting.

The game was punctuated by fouls from both teams, and Port Glasgow’s touchline was very vocal, putting both Ardencaple and the referee under pressure.

Ten minutes before half time O’Rourke failed to hold an awkward back post cross and Port Glasgow’s centre forward had an easy task of scoring from eight yards out.

Ardencaple shuffled the team at the start of the second half, and Murray and Dorizon both missed chances before Shields deservedly levelled, rifling home from the edge of the box.

With 15 minutes left Dougan tripped the Port Glasgow right winger in the box and the hosts made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

Caple created a couple of late chances, but were unable to convert, and were punished in the last few minutes as they pushed for a leveller, conceding a third on the break and then another penalty in the last minute to lose 4-1.

In the Winton Murdoch Cup quarter-final, Caple were out to redress the balance after losing to Broomhill on penalties in a Scottish Cup tie earlier in the season.

Broomhill, who have since reached the last four of the Scottish Cup, are a good footballing team, but Caple matched them for most of the game, with the main difference being the hosts’ sharpness in front of goal.

Godwin lofted the ball over the keeper, but also over the bar, with the first chance of the game, but after an early phase when both defences were on top, Broomhill pounced on a loose ball just outside the box to open the scoring 10 minutes before the break.

Caple crated three gilt-edged chances early in the second half, but Poirier, Murray and Calum Sharp were unable to convert – and Broomhill made them pay when a free kick from the left was headed away by Livingston, only for a home player to volley into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

And a virtual carbon copy goal ended the tie as a contest a few minutes later as Broomhill made it three.

Caple kept pushing forward, but were caught on the break in the last few minutes as Broomhill broke upfield to add a fourth.

Ardencaple return to league business this week away to OLM.

Ardencaple 2013s are starting four-a-side football in the next few weeks. Anyone interested in playing please contact Euan Birss on 0795 442 0778.