THE fourth Dennis Donnelly Memorial Shield clash between Benburb and Ardrossan Winton Rovers will be long remembered as the opening game at the famous old Glasgow club’s New Tinto Park arena.

But the 90 minutes kicking off a new era for the Bens in their surroundings will also be recalled as one of the most competitive pre-season friendlies after one red and five yellow cards were brandished during an entertaining 3-3 draw which ended in Ardrossan winning 5-4 in a penalty-kick shoot-out.

Paul Lovering’s young side made a dream start by surging ahead with just two minutes on the clock as Ryan Livingston ran on to a through ball from Scott Jarvie and rounded goalkeeper Dillon Caddis before slotting home.

An injury bringing about striker Mark Begg’s substitution forced a reshuffle, but did not deter from the home side’s lively start and they doubled their lead in 36 minutes when defender Colin McInnes rose highest to head home.

The clever forward-line play of skipper Ryan Caddis apart, the Ayrshiremen had looked out of sorts even though the crossbar twice kept out Andy Cripps headers, however all was to change in the second half following the early boost of a close-range Ben Carson score.

The upping of tempo led to some fierce exchanges, none more so than Winton defender Craig Breen’s tackle which felled Bens substitute Jordan Mann nearing the 70th minute mark and gave whistler Chris McTiernan no option other than to send him packing.

His depleted team-mates remained unaffected and duly equalised shortly afterwards when newcomer Craig Connell netted his first Winton goal

However, Benburb then appeared to seal victory when Livingston, looking offside, was allowed to run clear and score his second goal of the game for a 3-2 scoreline.

But a clearly-incensed Ardrossan were not for lying down and Connor Browning brought parity at 3-3 and the midfielder then had a final-minute shot saved that could have clinched a memorable comeback win.

Some well-taken penalty kicks culminated in visiting goalkeeper Caddis blasting home his side’s fifth kick before going between the posts to block Jarvie’s well-struck effort and earn a 5-4 triumph.

Ardrossan assistant boss John McColl said: “It was a demanding and at times tough workout for our first pre-season game, so it was pleasing to see our fitness levels stand up to the test.

“There’s a lot to be happy about, not least the outstanding performance of Ryan Caddis that only underlines what an important player he will be for us this season.”

Frank Lovering, booted and suited in his new capacity as committee official, reckoned his son, Paul, would have mixed feelings over Benburb’s showing.

He said: “To match up with a Super First Division team all over the pitch is very encouraging, but Paul will not be happy at the team throwing away a winning position.”

St Anthony's managed a creditable 1-1 draw at home to Clydebank while, across the city, Shettleston lost 4-0 to Bonnyrigg Rose. Colin Williamson and Kieron McAleenan goals helped Pollok rack up a 2-0 victory over Vale of Clyde at Fullarton Park.

Joe Barclay and Nikky Prentice did the trick for Kilsyth Rangers in a 4-3 success against Camelon, and Petershill went down 3-2 away to Sauchie.

However, Auchinleck Talbot, Neilston and Wishaw all fared better in travels further afield.

Mark Shankland, Keir Milliken (2), Graham Wilson and Lee Cochrane found the target in Talbot’s 5-0 defeat of Newtongrange Star, Neilston’s marksmen in the 3-2 win at Brechin Vics were Robbie Cameron, Stevie Hopewell and Paul Mackay, while Michael Colinder (2), Kevin B Grant and Ross McGeachie were on the mark as Wishaw beat Scone Thistle 4-1.

In games tonight, St Roch's, fresh from overcoming Port Glasgow 3-0 through goals from Darryl Naismith (2) and Jordan Logan, await the visit of local amateur side Dennistoun Vale at the James McGrory Stadium while Rob Roy, idle at the weekend, head through to New Douglas Park to face a youthful Hamilton Accies XI.

Meanwhile, supporters of Forth Wanderers, whose scheduled weekend friendly contest against Bellshill Athletic was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, will be keeping fingers crossed that Kingshill Park is playable for their Clydesdale Cup semi-final tilt against Lanark United.