Dumbarton Accies retain league cup

May 29 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

DUMBARTON Accies retained the Douglas Smith League Cup after a convincing win on the plastic pitch at Stenhousemuir’s Ochilview Park.

An own goal early in the first half and a late second from Tom McHard ensured that the trophy came back to Dumbarton.

Accies were roared on by a sizeable travelling support and, within five minutes, an Andrew MacDonald header caused havoc in the Links defence.

In the goalmouth scramble, the ball deflected off a defender and into the net to give Accies an early lead.

Links started to get a foothold towards the end of the first half, but their efforts were doing little to trouble the Accies goal.

Accies started the second half in the ascendancy and, with 20 minutes to go, a Derek Readie effort hit the far post with the keeper beaten.

The defence was holding out, but a 1-0 lead is always precarious and the nerves were only finally settled with five minutes left.

An excellent McHard free kick from 25 yards sailed into the net, despite the keeper’s best efforts, and the match was won.

Accies boss Iain Howieson said: “I’m delighted that we have retained this cup. It’s not only a reward for the players – it’s a reward for everybody that’s involved at this club.

“Our supporters were in excellent spirit throughout the match and their support is much appreciated. We must remember that this is not the end of the season though – we still have four league games left and I want to finish as high as possible in the league.”

The cup success made up for the Willie Turner League Cup exit last Monday, when Accies went down to Newton Mearns Rovers 4-1. Craig McFarlane headed the consolation goal.

Accies: A McGillvray, C MacDonald, D Banks, S Kemp, M Docherty, A Parlane, A Nicholson, C McFarlane, A Ferguson, A MacDonald, D Readie. Subs: S Smith, S McGillvray, T McHard, M O’Neill, A Davie, M Dooley, G Baird.

Accies are due to face Dalziel at home on Thursday at 7pm. Their Saturday fixture is currently unknown.

The season has now finished for both the West of Scotland Amateur team and the under-21s. The West team drew their derby fixture with Dumbarton Saints on Saturday, with David Neill scoring.

The under-19s’ last game of the season was due to take place last night (Tuesday) at home to Goldenhill.

The club extends thanks to all those who travelled to Ochilview, especially Darren Pennycuick who organised the transport.