Campbelton Pupils 4 Port Glasgow Hibs 2

The warm-up to the new season continued last Saturday when the McFadyen Contractors sponsored Pupils played host to old advisories Port Glasgow Hibs. As anticipated, the game wasa competitive affair, with both sides prepared to raise its game in an effort to gain a confidence boost before the big picture begins next week.

The local side started in a confident modd, stroking the ball around on a carpet-like surface. A beautifully weighted ball over the defence by sweeper Grant Grant released Alan Sinclair, an invitation for the Pupils wide man to use his electric pace. An excellent delivery across the box was gratefully received by Gary Grumoli, who drove the ball home for a well-worked opening goal.

At this point the Pupils were well on top; however, the old enemy complacency had still to raise its head. Slack play allowed the visitors to find a foothold in the match, a loose pass across the box picked up and steered into the net by the Hibs centre-forward to level the game. Worse was to follow as the home lost its composure, a simple cross to the back post eluding the defence for Hibs to take the lead with a simple strike from close-range.

After the high of a fortnight ago against the national side, the Pupils management were less than happy with their team's first-half performance. The aggression seemed to work, as things got decidedly better as the game progressed. Gary Grumoli claimed the equaliser with a well-driven effot from the edge of the box, his clincal parting shot finding the bottom corner with ease.

The tide had turned for the home side; now in the ascendancy the Pupils began to dictate the play. Patient approach work was rewarded when Gary Grumoli was set free behind the defence, a cool head bringing a crucial third goal when he steered the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.

A fourth finsihed the game as a contest, keeping things in the family brother Paul Grumoli decided to get into the act with the goal of the match. A surging run and clever one-two brought the mid-field dynamo clear, his finish a sublime chip over the goalkeeper to earn the applause of an appreciative home support.

A mixed day for the Pupils, at times excellent, but still unwilling to keep their foot on the gas for ninety-minutes. However; plenty of potential as the season approaches, although concentration will be a key factor in the games ahead.

This Saturday (15th August) will be the start of the season for the local side, a game against Eaglesham at Kintyre Park. Please note 2pm kick-off.