Top of the League! 

By Ryan Campbell, Sports Reporter 

NOTRE Dame’s under-14 boys netted four goals and battled their way to the top of league on Wednesday after a thrilling performance at home against tough opponents. 

Notre Dame came out 4-1 on top against St Ninian’s, from Giffnock, with on-form striker Aiden Gilmartin, bagging himself a hat-trick.  

The S2 pupil said his third goal, a beauty from a free kick in the second half, was his favourite of the evening.   

Speaking to Notre Dame Now on the touchline after the game, Aiden, 13, said: “I really enjoyed the game. Luck seemed to be on our side and St Ninian’s just didn’t manage to take their chances.” 

St Ninian’s scored first in the game before Notre Dame equalised from a corner kick, using the strong wind to their advantage. The gust took the St Ninian’s goalkeeper off-guard and he palmed the ball into his own net.

A fast-paced second half saw some excellent play from both sides, with Notre Dame’s Euan Robertson putting the ball just over the bar after a mistake from the back by the visitors. 

Goalkeeper Lewis Fox was left relieved after St Ninian’s failed to capitalise on an open goal at the Notre Dame end, amid frantic chants  of “Foxy!” from the Notre Dame touchline. 

Luck was on the home team’s side, however, as the Giffnock side failed to capitalize on the open goal, sending the ball wide. 

The win takes the S2 boys to the top of the Paisley and District League and they face tough games ahead, with away fixtures at St Benedicts before they travel to Giffnock to take on St Ninian’s again. 

Speaking after the game, coach Mr Armour explained that the “team performance” won the high-flying Notre Dame boys their latest win. He said: “It was certainly a great team performance. Of note, Chris Lepick was played out of position and did very well.” 

Fellow coach, Mr Galloway added: “It was an all-round hard-working, team performance against a, well-organised opponent.”