ARDENCAPLE’S 2003s team hit the top of their game to defeat local rivals Helensburgh 5-0 in the two sides’ first derby meeting of the season.

The much-awaited match had been cancelled twice due to the surface at the King Street parks being declared unplayable by Argyll and Bute Council officials, but finally took place, at the third time of asking, on the 3G surface at Hermitage Academy.

Ardencaple dedicated their victory to Josh Andrews, who had suffered a broken bone injury the day before the match, playing for the Hermitage Academy school team.

Helensburgh were playing a tight defensive game designed to give Ardencaple no space to play in.

And it was a tactic which worked well – at least until the 10th minute of the game, when an angled pass found McKay at the back post, and his well struck shot flew past the Helensburgh goalkeeper.

Despite having all the play it was another 15 minutes before Caple were able to add to their tally, a superbly struck half-volley by ‘Super Ali Milton’ eventually making it 2-0.

Helensburgh continued to battle gamely away, but they made little impression on the well-organised Caple defence, and on the stroke of half-time Cameron added a third with a well struck low drive.

The same pattern continued in the second half, and Helensburgh’s cause wasn’t helped by a sending off which meant Ardencaple were now finding more space, and a snap shot from Evans came back off the post as Caple pressed for a fourth.

Mullender’s perseverance to keep the ball paid diividends when he created space before slotting home Ardencaple’s fourth, and Evans finally got his reward when he scored from close range near the end.

Ian Robertson, Ardencaple’s well known supporter, was among thosecheering the team off at the end.

A good performance from both teams – roll on the league matches.