Caledonian League Premier Division Bearsden 0 Dumbarton Academy 2

Two goals from Callum Shipcott secured a first leaguevictory for Accies following a tough encounter against Bearsden last Wednesday.

Accies started positively, with Colin MacPhee releasing James Crowhurst whose dangerous pass was cleared well by James Robertson.

The first sniff at goal came after quarter of an hour when Andrew MacDonald saw a shot heading for goal blocked following a great Crowhurst pass.

Accies were starting to impose themselves, with Alan Gourlay setting up Shipcott but his shot was blocked by Robertson.

The forward was not to be denied, though, as Accies took the lead on the half-hour. Connor McGlinchey cut inside his opposing defender and released Shipcott, who had time to pick his spot and finish well from 12 yards.

After 40 minutes, Accies went doubled their lead.

A clearance from Bearsden’s defence found Accies’ Craig Cavana who quickly found MacDonald. The midfielder passed to Shipcott whose quick shot again found the net.

On the hour, substitute Scott Anderson saw a header flash wide.

Accies started to steady the ship on the hour and Shipcott had the opportunity to secure his hat-trick, seeing a slightly scuffed shot hit the wrong side of the post.

The final half-hour saw Bearsden continue to press Accies, without creating clear chances and Accies counter-attacking.

Accies manager Michael Dickie said: “This was a good start to the league campaign. I’m particularly pleased with the clean sheet as we defended well from front to back.”

Dumbarton Academy: Andrew McGillivray, David Goodwin, Colin MacPhee, Craig Cavana, Leo Daremas, Alan Gourlay, Andrew MacDonald, Jack Buchanan (capt), James Crowhurst, Callum Shipcott, Connor McGlinchey Subs: Ian Davie, Tom McHard, Stewart MacKenzie, Craig Darroch, Marcus Dooley

Caledonian League Premier Division Dumbarton Academy 4 Giffnock North 3

Dumbarton Academy ran out 4-3 winners against a strong Giffnock side on Saturday.

The teams had finished third and second respectively in the league last season, therefore this promised to be a keenly contested match and so it proved – with Giffnock superior in the first half and Accies coming through in the second.

This was a great advert for amateur football with the watching crowd highly entertained.

Giffnock started the match in the ascendancy, with Accies struggling to gain a foothold in the game.

Accies took the lead after 22 minutes against the run of play. An Andrew MacDonald shot had seen Giffnock keeper Craig Marshall save well but the ball rebounded to the edge of the box with Callum Shipcott picking up the ball. The forward advanced into the box and was upended by Gary Carroll. Referee Mike Auld correctly pointed to the spot and Tom McHard finished with aplomb.

Giffnock responded well and took a 2-1 lead into half-time.

Accies then drew level shortly after the break. A good move following David Goodwin’s throw-in saw Alan Gourlay feed Connor McGlinchey, whose cross found MacDonald to finish well.

Shortly after, Accies’ renewed vigour saw them take the lead.

The best tackle of the match saw captain Jack Buchanan win the ball when Giffnock were counter-attacking. The midfielder quickly turned defence into attack with a deep cross into Giffnock’s box which MacDonald headed home. This was a tremendous tackle and cross from the captain.

Giffnock sought to respond and on 65 minutes equalised. An excellent 30-yard David Kneale free kick found the postage stamp of Accies net.

With 20 minutes to go, Accies scored what proved to be the winning goal. Gourlay corner found McHard’s head and he scored from eight yards unchallenged – which will disappoint Giffnock’s rearguard.

Accies sought to secure a fifth goal which surely would have seen them secure the win and Jack Buchanan saw a shot scrambled off the line.

Giffnock also looked to secure a point, with Mark Shanta heading narrowly wide with five minutes to go.

Dumbarton Academy:Andrew MacGillivray, David Goodwin, Colin MacPhee, Craig Cavana, Leo Daremas, Alan Gourlay, Andrew MacDonald, Jack Buchanan, Tom McHard, Callum Shipcott, Connor McGlinchey Subs: Ian Davie, Stewart MacKenzie, Alan Nicholson, James Crowhurst