East Kilbride RR celebrate 'greatest time in 70-year history' after clinching treble

Amateur outfit East Kilbride RR are celebrating after claiming a trophy treble for the first time in their 70-year history.

The Rolly, having already won the Premier Division of the Greater Glasgow Premier League and the Presidents League Cup in the past fortnight, added the Bobby Thomson Challenge Cup to their haul with a 4-1 win over local rivals EK Dynamo in last Friday night’s final at New Tinto Park in Govan.

But they had to do it the hard way after coming from a goal down to run out champions.

EKRR fell behind after 22 minutes when a loose ball in the Rolly defence was fired into the net and, all of a sudden, the treble dream was in jeopardy.

However, after some outstanding stops from goalkeeper Nick Martin to keep them in the game, EKRR pulled level in 43 minutes when Ryan Miller got on the end of Ryan McParland’s cross to drive a low strike into the net.

The Rolly emerged from the dressing room at half time determined to put on a performance, and moments after the re-start Stevie Copeland turned the ball home from Andy Brown’s pass to give them the lead.

Brown and Copeland again combined for the third goal in 70 minutes, and captain Craig Duncan sealed the win – and the historic treble – five minutes from time, rifling the ball into the net from the edge of the box.

Man of the match Duncan then had the honour of receiving the trophy from the Greater Glasgow Premier League committee and the Rolly team, coaches and many ex-players began their celebrations.

Jubilant EKRR club secretary, Colin Thomson, said: “This season has, without doubt, been the most successful in the club’s 70-year history.

“All involved at the club are truly indebted and proud of the magnificent success the team has achieved this season.

“We