It’s three and easy for Fairmuir in showpiece

FAIRMUIR U/13 clinched the Ross Ballantine Cup with a 3-1 win over Riverside on Sunday.

Harrison Smith gave Fairmuir a first-half lead only for Aiden McDougal to level for Riverside.

Blair Fyffe put Fairmuir ahead from the penalty spot before Stuart Heenan fired home a third late on.

Manager Paul Conway was delighted to see his side come out on top in a close-fought match, saying: “It was a very good team performance and it’s a fantastic end to the season for the boys.”

Fairmuir broke the deadlock after 26 minutes when Smith’s overhit cross sailed over Jacob Kerrigan into the net. However, Riverside levelled the tie early in the second half when McDougal poked home from close range.

Fyffe coolly dispatched a penalty to put Fairmuir back in front moments before keeper Declan McCallum produced a stunning double save from Millar Gibson at point-blank range.

Conway was quick to sing the keeper’s praises after the match. He said: “I said to him after the game that it was as good as a goal. He was very brave and did everything you want a keeper to do, he was absolutely superb.”

Fairmuir put the tie to bed when Man-of-the-Match Heenan slotted home their third eight minutes from time.

East Craigie Swifts U/17 completed the double treble as they beat Kirrie Thistle 5-1 in the Henry Dolan Cup Final. A first-half double from Keir Gardiner followed Ethan Bannon’s opener.

Reece Lornie and Hayden Burr (pen.) netted in the second half, with Aaron Barnett heading in a Kirrie consolation late on.

Swifts boss Steven Fallon expressed his delight at the achievement, saying: “We’ve been so consistent over the past two years but this one’s sweeter because we’ve had a lot more to contend with, especially over the past few weeks with so many games.

“They’ve had a hectic schedule with so many matches and their exams, we only had 11 players because three of them were involved with the junior team, so I’m over the moon for them.”

This Sunday’s finals see Mearns and Celtic contest the U/13 Celtic Golden Jubilee showpiece, while Fairmuir and Ferry Athletic face off for the U/16 Queen’s Jubilee Cup.

Fairmuir U/13 captain Brodie Cussick is presented with the Ross Ballantine Cup by DDYFA officials Jim Falconer (left) and Fraser Mortimer (right).

Match action from Fairmuir U/13’s (tangerine) 3-1 Ross Ballantine Cup victory over Riverside at North End Park (above, right).

Match action from East Craigie Swifts U/17’s (stripes) 5-1 Henry Dolan Cup Final win over Kirrie Thistle (above, left).