Broughty United secured the Tommy Clark Trophy with victory over rivals Ferry Athletic in the final held at North End Park, Dundee. A dynamic attacking display, which resulted in three well worked goals ensured it was United who would follow in the footsteps of last year’s winners Dundee West.  

 

In front of a healthy crowd the eventual winners settled first and were unlucky not be ahead from their first chance of the afternoon. Ethan Couper’s snap shot, on the turn, was fired just wide of target. Having been untroubled by Couper’s earlier attempt, Ferry Athletic goalkeeper Robert Black was required moments later to turn away Keir Gardener’s powerful shot.

 

After starting the game at a ferocious pace Broughty were rewarded on 10 minutes with the opener, Jordan Conway prodding the ball into the net following Couper’s deep free kick into the box.  

 

After making the breakthrough United went in search of a second with Ewan Faulkner and Max Flucker both coming close to increasing the lead. At this stage of the game United’s attacking players were linking up well and carved out another chance for Faulkner, which Black did well to palm away.  

 

Ferry Athletic were displaying some impressive defensive qualities and some well-timed blocks by James Lawrie prevented his side falling behind further.

 

Just before the interval Athletic fashioned a good opening with Liam Crockett’s effort flashing wide of target, which meant it was United who would have the advantage at the break.

Similarly to the first half Broughty United started on the front foot and Gardener brought Black into action with two powerful shots in quick succession.

 

Despite the best efforts of Black the second goal of the afternoon went to United. Christie picked out Ethan Bannon, with an excellent cross, and the number none duly nodded the ball past the 'keeper after 55 minutes.

 

Ferry Athletic responded well to going further behind and Cameron Welsh was unlucky not to get on the end of Adam Eaton’s well-placed free-kick.

 

Athletic began to commit more men forward in search of a way back into the contest and were almost hit on the counter, with Black’s impressive afternoon continuing after he produced a sensational save to deny Couper.

 

The final goal of the afternoon went to the eventual winners and Gardener would get the goal his attacking play merited when he chipped the ball into the net in the 76th minute.

 

Reflecting on the contest Ferry Athletic demonstrated why they had made it this far in the competition, displaying a good work ethic and any appearance in a final should be viewed as a success.

 

For Broughty United an impressive attacking display during the final means the Tommy Clark Trophy will be a welcome addition to the trophy cabinet.