East Kilbride retain South Challenge Cup with victory over Auchinleck Talbo

East Kilbride retained their South Challenge Cup trophy with a comfortable victory in the Cumbernauld sunshine over West of Scotland Premier Division side Auchinleck Talbot on Sunday afternoon.

In what could potentially be their final appearance in the tournament with promotion via the playoffs to the Scottish league system on the cards, Mick Kennedy’s side took control from the offing.

Midfield maestro Ian McShane set the tone early by constantly coming deep to collect the ball from the central defensive duo of skipper Lewis Spence and Jamie Hamilton and spreading passes across the park in the opening stages.

However, it would be the tier 6 side Auchinleck who would have the match’s first opportunity, with midfielder Luke Gillies striking wide from distance.

The Lowland League champions would take control following this, with opportunities coming and going from Scott Ferguson and John Robertson all within the opening ten minutes.

East Kilbride keeper Matthew Connelly would also be called into action early doors, making the first of a few crucial saves during the afternoon, stopping a Ewan Thomson shot well at his near post.

Following this, his side would quickly pass their way through the Talbot midfield and up the park.

A great inside pass down the right flank from Nathan Flannigan found the unmarked Joao Balde just inside the right-hand side of the 18-yard box, and the former Portugal youth team midfielder’s strike found the bottom corner across the goal following a slight deflection.

The favourites would then completely dominate the match for a period, with McShane completely controlling the match tempo and both Robertson and Flannigan causing havoc down each flank.

Tommy Sloan, who has been Talbot boss since all the way in 2003 was shouting orders at his side in his trademark drill sergeant-esq fashion and while his side struggled to gain possession, they did hold their shape very well and frustrate their opponents from the league above in the remainder of the opening 45.

No half time changes and little change in the match trajectory.

East Kilbride continued to dominate at the beginning of the second half, with Balde and Ferguson forcing Talbot keeper Corey Armour into saves early on.

The decisive moment of the match would come on 55 minutes when Austin Sime fouled Ferguson in the box resulting in referee Lewis Hogarth pointing to the spot.

Cameron Elliot would put the ball into the net low to the right, sending Armour the wrong way and doubling ‘Kilby’s’ advantage.

East Kilbride continued to dominate possession, but Talbot did get some good opportunities on the counter, but on several occasions, they failed in their final decision-making, and the chances were consistently fluttered away.

Robertson would have a personally frustrating afternoon on the wing for EK, the winger gave his opposing full back a torrid afternoon with his skill and pace, but the winger consistently chose a selfish option with teammates in open positions.

Despite this his side would hold out for a 2-0 victory, Talbot did get some openings in the closing stages when the EK midfield tired but, as was the story of their day, they were unable to create anything too clear cut; substitute Alex Nimmo coming closest with an acrobatic effort late on that was saved by Connelly.

And that would be that.

A third trophy of the week for Mick Kennedy, Simon Ferry and East Kilbride, who add the South Challenge Cup to their Lowland League title and Lowland League Cup triumphs.

The South Lanarkshire side can now turn their attention to their Lowland League playoff game and the chance of promotion into the Scottish League system after falling at the final hurdle last season.

The sponsors gave their man of the match award to Flannigan, but Ian McShane was the standout.

Joao Balde scored and was excellent overall but lost possession in dangerous areas on a few occasions, and Robertson was wasteful despite great runs.

Talbot captain Neil McPherson was solid for the runners-up but visibly tired late on.

His side will have to lick their wounds and regroup for their West of Scotland Cup final match against Ayrshire rivals Largs Thistle on April 27.