Gary amongst goals again as Dukla collect Gowans Trophy

GARY McSWEGAN rolled back the years by turning in a scintillating performance to lead Dukla Pumpherston to a 6-2 victory over a Hutchison Vale Select in the Craig Gowans Memorial Trophy at Saughton Enclosure.

The former Dundee United and Hearts striker reinforced his goalscoring pedigree with two clinical finishes. However, the 39-year-old, who had four successful years with the Gorgie club, scoring 31 goals, reiterated his delight at being involved in an event dedicated to the late Craig Gowans, the talented teenager who died in a training ground accident in July 2005.

McSwegan said: "It was a really good match but a very important day as well and one filled with mixed emotions. I think Craig would have been proud of his family and the supporters seemed to have really enjoyed themselves."

Dukla Pumpherston appeared the more competent side in the early stages with some neat interchanges. Ex-St Johnstone striker Paddy Connolly should have claimed the honour of the opening goal after 15 minutes when he got on the end of a cross from the right. However Connolly, with the goal at his mercy, somehow managed to head wide of the target from only six yards.

Defender Ronnie Yule wasn't going to pass up a similar opportunity five minutes later as he headed Dukla into a deserved lead. McSwegan provided an inch-perfect cross for the onrushing defender, who met the ball with power and accuracy. Both McSwegan and John MacDonald were providing Vale's defence cause for concern with their persistence and determination. Indeed, it was the latter who was the creator for Dukla's second as he rolled the ball across the penalty box to an unmarked Connolly, who made no mistake this time around.

Hutchie's No.10 Fraser Ogilvie should have perhaps done better after cleverly evading the offside trap shortly after but his intended lob lacked any real conviction. The combination of MacDonald and McSwegan once again carved open Vale's defence in blistering fashion. A clever lofted pass was expertly dispatched by McSwegan into the far corner to leave a Hutchie side scratching their heads at a 3-0 deficit.

Vale did provide a reason for optimism ahead of the second half when they managed a goal of their own prior to the interval. An expertly-threaded pass from Ogilvie put Forfar Athletic midfielder Kevin Fotheringham clear on goal and, despite the striker prolonging his effort in an attempt to outfox goalkeeper Lindsay Hamilton, he eventually rolled it into the net to reduce Dukla's lead to two.

With a re-energised Hutchie side now up to speed, they found themselves back in contention only minutes into the second period via the unfortunate Yule. With increasing pressure from Vale's front two and Hamilton pressing to minimise the threat, Yule could only screw the ball past his goalkeeper and into the empty far corner.

Former Livingston manager and ex-Jambo Allan Preston squandered the best chance to level the score at 3-3 but passed up the opportunity after failing to hit the target with only the goalkeeper to beat.

McSwegan subsequently put the game beyond doubt ten minutes later with a dazzling free-kick from the edge of the area which showed a striking finesse reminiscent from his time as a professional.

Both sides had further opportunities to put an additional gloss to the scoreline but it was indeed Dukla who accumulated a further two strikes in quick succession for a result of 6-2.

John Gowans, Craig's father, was delighted with the effort from both sets of players and extremely grateful for the level of support shown at the event.

He said: "Days like these are emotional but it is about keeping our son's memory alive and when you get a turnout like this, it's a great thing for our family. We witnessed a great game and the commitment and respect from everyone has been truly humbling."

Hutchison Vale Select: Steven Tweed, Lee Bullen, Ross Godfrey, Fraser Ogilvie, Gary Woods, Eddie Malone, Paul Weatherston, Kevin Fotheringham, Phil O'Neil, Andy Porteous, Tam Smith, Andy Martin, Phil Smith, Dave Upton, Victor Togneri, Alan Watson, Leslie Trotter, Gary Mason.

Dukla Pumpherston: Lindsay Hamilton, Brian Martin, Kenny Brannigan, Tommy Sheridan, Andy McFarlane, Ronnie Yule, Steve Cowan, Dougie Bell, John MacDonald, Steven Mooney, Gary McSwegan, Andy Millen, Rob McKinnon, Paddy Connolly, Scott Nisbet.

"Craig would have been proud of his family and the supporters have enjoyed themselves" gary McSwegan