Polished Diamonds win first silverware

Airdrie emerged as NL Cup winners at Broadwood on Sunday, as Calum Gallagher’s strike was enough to see off hosts Cumbernauld Colts in the final.

And there was a solid win for nearneighbours Albion Rovers, as they overcame Stirling Albion 3-1 to secure third place at the Cumbernauld stadium.

Gallagher netted 15 minutes into the final with a fine finish, after good setup play by Justin Devenny and one of several trialists who started the match.

Craig Watson was the only other senior player to start the game for Mccabe’s side.

Albion Rovers got off to a blistering start in their clash against Stirling, with Michael Paton netting in six minutes and then in the 33rd minute to give them a 2-0 lead at the interval.

Kieran Dolan netted a third in 73 minutes, before Stirling pulled a consolation goal back.

It hd been a case of mixed fortunes for the Monklands sides in the tournament on Saturday.

Rovers crashed to a 2-1 defeat to Colts in their semi-final.

Colts opened the scoring in seven minutes when, after a strong start, Regan Mclaren burst into the box and cut the ball back for the onrushing Matthew Mcfarlane to smash into the net.

Rovers had claims for a penalty waved away by referee, Lloyd Wilson, when Kyle Fleming went down inside the box, and Charlie Reilly saw a shot rifle narrowly wide.

The Colts were awarded a spotkick early in the second half, when Mcfarlane was tripped inside the box. Mclaren coolly stepped up to double their lead.

Rovers pulled a goal back in 85 minutes, when Callum Wilson mugged a defender and slipped the ball through to Kieran Dolan, who slotted home.

Meanwhile, Airdrie strolled through to the final with a 3-0 win over Stirling in their semi-final.

Adam Frizzell opened the scoring after six minutes, via a deflection, when he powerfully connected with a crossfield ball from Callum Smith.

Frizzell turned provider in 52 minutes to set up Gabby Mcgill, whose thunderous finish left the Albion keeper helpless at his near post.

Airdrie added a third in 85 minutes when Frizzell, a trialist, and Cammy Ballantyne set up Mcgill for his second.

Champions Airdrie pose with the NL Cup at Broadwood (Pic by Airdrieonians FC)