ARDENCAPLE FC’s 2005 team lifted the Michael McGinley Memorial Shield for their age group after a 4-1 win over Dumbarton Riverside last Friday night.

Caple knew a good defensive performance would be required as the Riverside centre-forward Pilkington had been scoring for fun all season – and only a last-ditch Livingston tackle thwarted Pilkington in the early moments.

Ardencaple opened the scoring after five minutes when a Shields pass released Boud who calmly slotted the ball home.

Straight from the kick off Riverside created an excellent chance but were denied by a fine double save from Crossan.

But Caple didn’t have to wait long for their second, when McKechnie split the Riverside defence and Boud calmly rounded the keeper and rolled the ball home.

Pilkington was still a threat for Riverside but Outaraat and Sharp in the middle of the Ardencaple defence were keeping him at bay.

And in the 22nd minute Shields found Murray 30 yards from goal and he cleverly sidestepped two challenges before driving into the box and lashing a shot into the net high past the Riverside goalkeeper.

That man Pilkington pounced on a loose ball in the Ardencaple box and his angled drive reduced the leeway to 3-1.

In the closing 10 minutes of the half Ardencaple were put under a lot of pressure, but Grant, with a couple of important tackles, ensured Riverside were unable to add a second.

In the heat this was a real team effort and Burch and Makeham were now on the field, replacing Ralawa and McKenna, who had both worked their socks off.

Makeham linked well with Ralawa and Grant on the left side of the Ardencaple team in the second half.

The Ardencaple midfield controlled the game early in the second half and Grant added number four with a penalty 15 minutes after the break after Murray was brought down, but despite creating a few chances they couldn’t add to their goal tally.

Riverside kept plugging away but Ardencaple held firm, despite a few scrambles inside their own penalty box, and almost added to their own tally after good runs and shots from Burch and Shields.

As the final whistle blew Ardencaple celebrated a deserved victory and an excellent team performance.

Squad: Crossan, Livingston, Outaraat, Sharp, Grant, Shields, McKechnie, McKenna, Murray, Boud, Makeham, Burch, Ralawa.

Team coach Stuart Burch said: “This was an excellent team performance, with Lewis Boud, who has found his shooting boots in the last few weeks, being my man of the match.”

Stuart, who is handing over the coaching reins to Russell Makeham and Alan Crossan next season, thanked the team and parents for their support.

Russell and Alan are looking to add to their squad for next season. Any interested players who were born in 2005 should contact club secretary Euan Birss on 0795 442 0778.