Cumbernauld begin cup defence

Cumbernauld's players after winning last year's trophy

The competition is the traditional curtain raiser to the start of the juniors’ league season and, as usual, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Rangers are in the same five-team section, along with Rob Roy, Rossvale and Dunipace.

Kilsyth have no match on Saturday and they open up next Wednesday against Rossvale in a game which, although Rossvale’s home fixture, will be played at Duncansfield, kick-off 6.45pm.

Similarly Cumbernauld’s ‘away’ match against Rob Roy the same evening has had a switch of venue and will be played at Guy’s Meadow.

The derby clash between Cumbernauld and Kilsyth will take place at Guy’s Meadow on Saturday, August 15,

Cumbernauld warmed up for the new season with a trip to the seaside where they recorded a comfortable 4-1 win over Saltcoats Victoria in a pre-season friendly.

With wind advantage, and in torrential rain, Saltcoats made the early running and midfielder Paul Weaver gave United a fright when a great effort struck the crossbar in the sixth minute.

After this early onslaught United settled and too over, playing some excellent football.

Davie Dickson was dominant in the visitors midfield and two great efforts from the 39-year-old almost gave United the lead.

But the opening goal wasn’t delayed long, new striker Stephen Mullen accepting a pass from Dylan McGuigan and waltzing round the last Saltcoats defender and keeper to put the visitors ahead in

15 minutes.

However Cumbernauld’s lead lasted exactly one minute, Vics’ Calvin Smitrh latching onto a long ball which caught out the United defence and placing the ball in the top corner.

Ross Foley almost restored United’s superiority when his low shot across goal beat ’keeper James Catterson only to hit an upright and be cleared.

Foley headed over from a Mullen cross as United dominated and they regained the lead on the half-hour when MULLEN, in full flight, was upended in the box and made no mistake from the spot.

Saltcoats occasionally threatened in breakaways but United’s defence, with trialists Clark and Brown doing well, coped satisfactorily.

The visitors remained in command after the interval and increased their lead in the 57th minute when Dickson crossed for trialist Stephen McDonald to nod home.

Simon Eeles replaced Mullen on the hour mark and was son in action when, following good work from Foley, he had a good effort well saved by the Vics ’keeper.

United ’keeper Barry Fraser had a quiet day but had to make a good save in a late Saltcoats attack as the home team attempted to reduce the defeat.

However United scored again in the dying minutes, a second goal for McDonald whose right foot shot beat Catterson comprehensively.