Shotts Bon Accord end season on a high

May 27 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

SHOTTS Bon Accord achieved four of the five challenges set by manager Tony McInally as they rounded off their promotion-clinching Central League First Division season on a high.

Their 2-1 win over Vale of Leven on Saturday came in a game that looked very much like an end-of-season encounter, despite an encouraging start as Mark Duffy headed in a second-minute opener.

Vale levelled from a well-struck shot in 11 minutes.

Darren Ferguson saw his header crash off the bar before David Taylor fired in a second before half-time.

Captain John Boyack nearly added a third in 63 minutes but his left-foot drive was tipped onto the bar.

Assistant manager Stewart Ralston, who took charge of the team while boss Tony McInally was on holiday, said: “Considering the warm conditions I thought we did okay. We wanted to end the season on a high by achieving the targets we had set, which were to win promotion, break the 50 points barrier, finish top scorers in the league, and produce the best defensive record in the division, and we did all of that.

“The only thing we didn’t do was win the league and, over the piece, that’s a bit of a disappointment but we’re delighted with the squad of players we’ve brought in.

“They helped us reach the last 16 of the Scottish and West of Scotland Cups, and reach the first cup final of the season.

“We’ve got to be happy with the progress we’ve made in our first season here but next season we’ll have to improve on quality and bring in a few new faces to freshen up the squad.”

His optimism was shared by captain Boyack, who said: “The players are delighted at gaining promotion.

“Last season we were very below-par – we felt that we had a chance of promotion but ended up being relegated.

“This season almost a new full team were brought in and I think the young lads showed great enthusiasm, as they settled in quickly and have done brilliantly. They can only get better playing alongside good experienced guys in a higher division.

“We competed well against the likes of Arthurlie in the Sectional League Cup and against Pollok in the Central League Cup.

“We faltered a little towards the end and there were a few games in which we dropped points when we shouldn’t have – but at the end of the day promotion was our aim so we’re happy with that.

“Now it’s onwards and upwards, and if we strengthen I see no reason why we can’t go on and challenge next season.”