East Kilbride RR keep grasp on Bobby Thomson Challenge Cup

EKRR successfully defended the Bobby Thomson Challenge Cup after a deadly double from Steven Coupland kept the trophy in East Kilbride.

The Rolly had to work hard for their success, seeing off a stubborn Antonine AFC 2-0 at New Tinto Park on Friday night to secure the silverware.

In very cold and blustery conditions it was difficult for both teams to settle on the night.

Second Division Antonine’s tactics were clear from the start, showing the respect to the First Division champions by setting up with a strong defence, hoping to score on the break or from dead ball situations.

This made for a very difficult game for the Rolly who, although in command from start to finish, were unable to capitalise on their dominance by putting the ball in the back of the net as often as they would have hoped against the Clydebank outfit.

The game was played out in midfield with Antonine determined to keep the Rolly at bay.

It took until 30 minutes into the second half for the Rolly to finally score and it came from man of the match Stevie Coupland.

A deep corner to the back post was headed back across the goal and Coupland pounced on it to put the Rolly in the lead.

This was followed up in the final minute of the game when Coupland scored his second, slotting the ball under the Antonine keeper to finish the final off and close the 2023/24 season on a high.

Thrilled coach Gary Hay said: “I don’t think there is any doubt that we deserved to win the game, but we were a bit pedestrian in the first half.

“We had almost all the possession but struggled to turn it into clear cut chances.

“The message at half time was to up the tempo and test their fitness. I think we did exactly that and you could see the difference immediately as we forced a