PLAYERS and supporters of Duntocher Hibs Amateur Football Club returned to their “spiritual home” at the weekend for the first time in more than 30 years.

Since the team formed in 2013, reclaiming the historic junior team name, the squad has been playing at the Mountblow pitches, which are set for a new 3G pitch and overhaul.

But now space is available at Glenhead Park in Duntocher, known as The Hibby, and the players couldn’t wait to get on the field in competitive action against Ferguslie Star AFC in the first round of the Coronation Cup.

The Hibby is already home to Drumchapel Amateurs, but with their second team split off and under 21s no longer attracting enough players to form a squad, they invited Duntocher to return home.

The team’s founder and manager Brendan Mullen said it was an immediate “absolutely” from them.

He told the Post after the match: “It was great to be back at Glenhead Park. We know and understand there are restrictions with weather conditions and the fixtures list. But the team is absolutely delighted.

“We had a friendly against Drumchapel last Wednesday as part of the pre-season. This is recognised as Duntocher’s premiere park – everybody is desperate to play there.”

Kick-off with head coach Kev Seagrave for their first home game at The Hibby was on Saturday and Brendan said they hope to continue improving as they have over the past four seasons. Although they led over Ferguslie Star 2-1 at the interval, the visitors levelled the score to earn a draw.

The original Duntocher Hibs Junior FC was founded in 1894 and lasted until 1909. They were revived in 1919 and moved to the then newly built Glenhead Park in 1929, staying there until they folded in 1966. There was another revival from 1973 to 1980.

Brendan added: “We were disappointed with the final result but it’s just great to be back at Glenhead Park. The Hibby is a great place to bring other teams to. We are grateful to Drumchapel Amateurs for their kind invitation home. It does feel more of a reincarnation to have a Duntocher Hibs side back playing at Glenhead Park.”

The man of the first home match was Kevin Williams, who scored the first of Duntocher’s goals with Matt White getting the second.