ARDENCAPLE FC’s 2003s put on a strong team performance to defeat their Broomhill counterparts 5-0 in a friendly match at the King Street park.

In their first fixture on the King Street grass surface for some time, the home team started on the front foot, and it was no surprise when Hanson fired home the opening goal from six yards.

Broomhill’s goalkeeper was unable to hold a far post cross from Gilchrist, giving Hanson a clear chance to find the net with just five minutes on the clock.

Boosted by the early goal, Ardencaple were soon stretching the Broomhill defence with their quick, slick passing in the midfield, and number two came after 20 minutes, when Hanson was flattened out on the right flank and Cameron’s clipped free kick was powerfully met by Hanson, whose header flew past the Broomhill keeper.

Rarely troubled defensively, Ardencaple continued to dominate the exchanges, with the midfield quartet of McKell, Mullender, Murray and Cameron controlling the game in the middle of the park.

The home side added their third goal before the break when a corner was headed clear – only to be met 25 yards from goal by Iain Cameron, whose daisy-cutter shot raced into the net.

The match was a particularly useful outing for an Ardencaple side who hadn’t played for a few weeks before the friendly, and who will benefit from the match practice as they prepare to take part in the Ayr International Tournament over the spring bank holiday weekend of May 25-28.

Caple reached the half-time oranges three goals to the good, but Broomhill, keen not to play second fiddle for the whole 90 minutes, lifted their game at the start of the second half, and a bullet header came back off the Caple woodwork with Cameron beaten.

But the home side responded well and a great turn and shot by Evans saw the Broomhill keeper produce the save of the day, turning the Caple player’s shot over the crossbar.

A fourth goal followed for the hosts when a Gilchrist shot spun into the air and Broomhill’s keeper, under pressure from Evans and Gilchrist, fumbled the ball into the net.

And Evans’ efforts were rewarded with ten minutes to go when he slotted home from six yards after ‘fast feet’ Mullender beat four players before rolling the ball aside to his team-mate.

Squad: G Cameron, Andrews, Darnell, Allan, I. Cameron, Mullender, Murray, Milton, Gilchrist, Hanson, Evans, McKell, Godwin.

With no derby match this season, Ardencaple are hoping that Helensburgh – who play in the DYFL whilst Ardencaple play in the Glasgow League – will take up the offer of a friendly before the season ends to help celebrate Ardencaple’s 50th year.