THE Willie Johnston Village Challenge Trophy for players over 18 years-old proved to be a huge success with some cracking football being played.

The participating teams were formed from regulars at bars in the Cardenden area and Moorside Park saw some good ties.

A minute's silence was held before the big kick-off in memory of those who had lost their lives in the Manchester Atrocities and there was a large turn out of spectators to cheer on the teams.

The final was contested by Village Inn and Team Leo from the Railway Tavern which ended in a 1-0 win for the former.

The presentation of prizes was held in the Village Inn and was conducted by former Hearts, Rangers and Scotland star Willie Johnston and chair of Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Councillor Linda Erskine.

The president of the organising committee Alex Burns MBE, said: "It was a great day with some great football and I would like to to thank our two match officials, the committee of Dundonald Bluebell FC for the use of Moorside Park; Honor Anderson for the special buffet and Ann and Roy Haxton from the Village Inn for their assistance and for providing pies for the teams.

"I would also like to thank sisters Margaret and Ann for organising the raffle at Moorside; Ore Valley Housing Association for the use of their van and Willie Johnston for participating in the presentations.

"Also a special thanks for Linda Erskine for ehr assistance at both Moorside and the Village Inn which was greatly appreciated by the committee.

"Last but not l;east W Duncan, J Parish, and J Thomson were thanked for the smooth running of the competition plus helpers Keran Burns and Alfie Cathcart."

Other awards were, Most Sporting Team-The Shelter; Fair Play Individual Award Steven Mellon (Team Leo); Best Player Lee Celentano (The Shelter); Best Goalkeeper Kyle Bain (The Shelter); Top Goal Scorer (Ricky McCafferty (The Central).