DOUNE CASTLE have managed to grind out an important league won over Bearsden last weekend.

With the advantage of a strong breeze blowing down the pitch on Saturday, April 10, Doune pressed straight off the bat, but missed several good opportunities in the opening 10 minutes, for instance when Jonny Burns tested the keeper with a powerful shot from distance.

After 33 minutes, the referee awarded Bearsden a penalty, judging that Ryan Duncanson had leaned on his opponent.

The striker drove low to the left, but goalie Steven Fotheringham dove full-length to push the ball wide. He then quickly pounced on the loose ball as the striker charged to make amends.

Seven minutes later Doune felt they deserved a spot kick of their own when Alan More was bundled over as he prepared to shoot, but were denied.

The two sides remained locked at 0 – 0 when they went for the break.

About 65 minutes in, Doune broke the ice when substitute Andy Innes launched a long throw deep towards the centre of the goal. Niall McClure rose to challenge the keeper and the loose ball dropped to Paul Statter.

He wasted no time and hammered a low strike into the corner of the net from eight yards.

After 74 minutes, Done had another excellent chance, but Alan More delayed his shot, allowing the keeper to block.

The win was sealed in the last 10 minutes of the game.

It again started with Innes, who hurled a long throw into the heart of the defence. McClure finally gained his reward for dominating much of the day's aerial challenges.

He twisted mid-air to head the ball strongly into the net from seven yards, making it 2 – 0.

Doune Castle: Fotheringham, D Innes, McClymont, Duncanson, Currie, Burns, McGowan (A Innes), McClure, Ogilvie (Statter), More (Graham), Heaver Substitutes: Scott, Gallagher