STEWART FRASER led the way with a fine four-goal haul as Rhu Amateurs’ over-35s chalked up a fine 5-0 win in their new local derby against The Sons on Friday night.

The clash with the Dumbarton FC supporters’ team had the makings of a close game, with both teams having picked up a win on their previous outings in Region 5 of the Football Central Over-35s League, but in the end it proved to be anything but as Rhu's 'very senior' team returned home from the short trip to Bellsmyre with a comfortable win under their belts.

The opening period of the game was a bit ragged, with neither side managing to keep decent possession, and chances were a kept to a minimum; the nearest opportunity fell to the visitors ten minutes in, when McVey’s dart down the right wing and resultant cross into the box couldn't be seized upon with an open goal beckoning.

As the Rhu team started to crank up the pressure, more chances came their way, and Aaron Wight should have scored after Fraser put him through, but his shot ran across the front of the goal.

However it wasn't long till the opener came, when some clever play by Hugh Ward led to a delicate chipped ball into the path of striker Fraser, which he despatched coolly past the keeper. 

But the goal didn't have the desired effect on the visitors as it was the Sons who stepped up their game, with Rhu keeper Stevenson being called into action a few times due to missed passes and general slack play in the Rhu ranks which, for some reason, continued for the rest of the half.

Some changes were made to freshen things up for the visitors at the interval and the fresh legs started to make a difference in the game as the Sons players appeared to tire. 

Although now in control of the game, Rhu found it difficult to break down the stubborn Sons defence, with the hosts holding out until the 65th minute when Fraser was upended in the box and found the back of the net with the resultant spot-kick.

It took until the final 10 minutes of the game for Rhu to add their third, and when it arrived it was Fraser who obliged again, the big striker grabbing his hat-trick with the best goal of the game after some excellent play in the build up.

Dave Philips made it four from close range before Fraser’s boot added the icing on the cake late on as he took his personal tally to four.

Manager Sam Gemmell was pleased with the result, saying: “The boys are in a good run of form at the moment – they’re now unbeaten in the last three games.

“It gives them loads of confidence, although some of them are not short of that, and it doesn't matter whether you’re over 35 or under eight - everyone likes to win and put a smile on the faces of your teammates.”

Next up for the Rhu team is a home game, which at the moment is due to be played at Hermitage Academy on Friday, May 3 against Glasgow On The Ball.

Squad. Stevenson, Conner, McCreery, Dawson, Packham, McKell, McVey, Ward, Campbell, Wight, Fraser, Phillips, Black, Occhiochiuso, Rolling, Morrison.

Rhu’s Caledonian League team are back in action tomorrow (Wednesday, April 24) when they welcome promotion-chasing Drumchapel Amateurs to Ardenconnel Park. Kick-off is at 6.45pm.

It's the first instalment of a home double-header for Gordon Brodie’s ‘Caley’ squad, who also play host to Cambria on Saturday, April 27, with the game getting under way at 2pm.

That Cambria clash follows hot on the heels of a home match for Rhu’s Glasgow Colleges FA team, who take on Glasgow Medics at Ardenconnel on Saturday morning with a 10am kick-off.