THE first annual Bobby Lennox Cup got underway last week with four local schools sending top players to battle it out for the honour of lifting the trophy in its inaugural year.

Taking place on Jack’s Park, between Ardrossan Academy and St Matthew’s Academy, the two schools along with Kilwinning and Auchenharvie set out to stake a claim for a place in the final this Friday at Winton Park.

Dean McMillan, from the campaign to get a statue of Bobby Lennox put up in his home town said: “The event went very well, was great to see so many kids being involved.

“Seeing people taking in the mini Lennox exhibition was great not only were they able to read about his life and achievements they were able to watch the man in action with old footage projected onto the wall.

“It was very fitting to see plenty of goals today as Bobby had scored 273 goals at the highest level of Scottish & European football.”

In the S1-3 girls section, Kilwinning won 8-0 against Auchenharvie and St Matthew’s won 4-0 against Ardrossan.

“So it looks like it’ll be a very exciting final between Kilwinning and St Matthew’s.

The first game in the S2 boys games saw Ardrossan battling it out with St Matthew’s, then game ended 3-2 in St Matthew’s favour with some amazing goals.

Auchenharvie only had 10 from the start but were 4-1 up against Kilwinning until they fought back to make it 4-3, then with the last kick of the ball Auchenharvie scored an own goal, the game had to be decided on penalties with Auchenharvie coming out on top.

The final is being held at Winton Park, the home of Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

Entry is free but donations are welcome, this year the funds raised will go to the Bobby Lennox Statue Campaign. 

Dean added: “I’m hoping this becomes an annual event with next year’s funds going to a local charity. The bar will be open along with the pie stalls.

“Since it was 50 years ago this year Bobby won the European Cup with Celtic, the club are kindly sending down the European Cup to the final.

“So come along to support your old schools, kids, see European footballs biggest prize and help celebrate this area’s greatest footballer.”