Party time for Jags
EK Thistle win pre-season cup for third time in a row
East Kilbride Thistle lifted the Tommy McGrane Cup on Monday night after a 4-1 victory at home to St Anthony’s.
Thistle’s pre-season cup match is contested annually and the Jags held on to the trophy for the third year running with a comprehensive display.The winning team lift the trophy, founded in 2005, and also receive a miniature version to keep.
Dougie Ryan’s hat-trick and Ally Morgan’s opener did the damage, continuing the Showpark side’s 100 per cent start to pre-season following wins over Harestanes and Broomlands in the last week.
Delighted Jags gaffer Alan Paterson said: “I’m
really happy for the boys.
“We’re not getting carried away because it’s still early in pre-season, but they have gelled well and we’ve quickly found a settled team.”
Thistle opened the scoring through Morgan and Dougie Ryan’s first goal doubled their advantage before the break.
St Anthony’s pulled one back from the penalty spot after Jordan White conceded a foul in the box.
However, Ryan struck a further twice to take the game away from the visitors and he lifted the trophy in front of the Thistle supporters.
Last season the Jags beat Stranraer’s under-20s in a nine goal thriller at the Showpark, recording a 5-3 victory.