AFTER last Saturday's disappointing result against Dunblane, Rhu welcomed Callender Thistle to Ardenconnel Park.

Callender had recently reached the semi-final of the East of Scotland Cup and hadn't been beaten since October.

Rhu, with several players missing, brought in new signings Mccoll, Sharkey, Fyfe and Fraser.

On a soft surface and with the rain coming down, Callender started best and came close, just missing the target on three occasions.

Rhu were taking time to settle and their first serious effort came after 20 minutes when Callum Smith's effort just cleared the bar.

It was end to end stuff but Rhu took the lead after half an hour when John Mccoll sent James Burns down the line and Callum Smith met his cross at the near post to find the bottom corner of the net.

Despite chances at both ends Rhu went in at the break one up.

Callender started the second half strongly and after a few chances got the equaliser when Mcpherson found the net after William Brown had saved his first effort.

Within five minutes Rhu were ahead again. This time Burns put Gary Stillwell clear on the left and his first time cross was headed home by Callum Smith for his second of the day.

With the pitch cutting up it was becoming difficult for both teams but it was Rhu who increased their lead when Burns found Adam Sharkey who picked out Smith and he found the net for his hat-trick.

Callander were now pushing forward and William Brown had to make some crucial saves to keep them out but into injury time Callander did pull a goal back when McClearey found space in the box. However, it wasn't enough and Rhu held out for a deserved win.

Rhu starting XI: Brown, Milne, Fagan, Sharkey, Maule, Stillwell, Sharkey, Mccoll, Scullion, Burns and Smith. Subs: Gorman, Fyfe and Fraser.

*Rhu have no league game on Saturday but are playing Cambusbarron Rovers away in a friendly.