KILSYTH Rangers have been dealt a hammer eve of season blow after a night of celebrations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their last Scottish Junior Cup success (the 3-1 victory over Rutherglen Glencairn ) was overshadowed by a fire causing extensive damage to their Duncansfield pavilion.

Vandals have been blamed for the devastating blaze which was discovered early on Saturday morning just hours after a lavish Celebration Dinner at the Coachman Hotel in Kilsyth had been attended by players from their 1967/68 side such as Drew Jarvie (Aberdeen), Davie Stewart (Leeds United), Jimmy Carroll, Alex Patterson (Rangers), Jim Whyte (Aberdeen), John Donnachie and Ian Grassam (Falkirk), as well as club legends John Glover and Denis Mochan who both played in Kilsyth’s 1954/55 Cup winning side.

Initial indications are the famous old pavilion which houses the dressing rooms and playing kit storage remains structurally sound, however repairs may cost up to £10,000.

Long-serving club official Russell McKay revealed: “Friday’s dinner had been a great night for everyone involved with the club and we even had a special guest, the 1968 Cup final referee John Banner.

“A lot of reminiscing and stories surrounding the final were heard and everything  was wrapped up around midnight and I went home to bed which is where I was when police came  knocking at my door with news of the fire.

“The locked gates to the park had been burst open by the Fire Service who did a great job of containing the fire however the referee’s room and toilets have been totally razed on top of some quite  horrendous smoke damage throughout the entire pavilion.

“Right now I cannot even think of how we can go about the task of gutting out the place and starting with repairs let alone coming up with funds for the work.”

He added: “Our first plan of action is to call a meeting of club officials and see if any help can be obtained from the local council even if only to offer us temporary changing rooms accommodation. 

“We were supposed to be hosting our first pre-season friendly game  on Wednesday evening against Camelon, but it looks very likely we will need to find an alternative venue.”

Meanwhile there was no shortage of surprises in Saturday’s pre-season  friendly affairs, including at Saracen Park where goals from Lee Foggins (2), Billy Stevenson, Barry Tulloch and Stevie Dymock helped Ashfield run out 5-2 winners over Irvine Meadow, for whom Daniel Mackay and Ryan Begley were on the scoresheet.

St Rochs succumbed to a 5-2 defeat at home to crack amateur outfit Harestanes , Arthurlie were beaten 4-3 at Dunterlie by East Stirling, Kilwinning Rangers suffered a 1-0 Abbey Park reverse against Stirling University, Clydebank went down 2-1 against Dumbarton while Neilston lost out 4-0 to Whitletts Vics with the visiting goals coming from Raymond Buchanan (2), Jordan Boyd and Craig Harvey. 

Ali-El Zubaidi, Mark Weir and Greg Kane (pen) were on target as Carluke Rovers won 3-2 against Glasgow Perthshire and top scorer Kevin Adam was one of the Irvine Vics marksmen in a 3-1 triumph over Cambuslang Rangers.