Lowland league

Two managers in charge of their clubs for the last time will fight it out this afternoon in a bid to go out on a silver lining.

CIVIL SERVICE STROLLERS manager Alex Cunningham is hoping for a winning farewell as he prepares to hand over the reigns at Christie Gillies Park.

Cunningham, who has been in charge for three years and led Strollers from the East League to the Lowland, has also steered them to the final of the South Region Challenge Cup – the old South Qualifying Cup.

Former Edinburgh City boss Gary Jardine will be in charge after the final against BSC GLASGOW.

BSC manager Stephen Swift is also hoping to go out on a winning note, for he is parting company with them after finishing the league in third place. He took the decision after discussions with the board and will be in charge for the last time.

Jardine has been working with Cunningham and helping to coach the squad for the last few months.

Cunningham said: “We go into this match as underdogs, but it’s often the best way. Winning this trophy would be a great way to sign off, although I won’t be leaving completely. I’ve been starting to take a back seat and do other things at the club because we don’t have a big committee.”

He added: “All in all, it’s been a really good season for us, finishing seventh in the league, which is better than last year and a great achievement for the club.

“I think we’ve punched above our weight and this is a great way to end a season with a cup final. I’ve told the players that this is a big competition and, with all the Junior sides coming into the pyramid system, it’s going to get harder to win.”

Swift will also be in charge for the last time, and a club spokesman said: ”Stephen has informed us that he will leave his post when his contract expires.

“Stephen’s coaching staff, Richie Salveta and Michael Moore, will also leave the club. We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Stephen and his staff for leading us during what has been our best-ever season in the club’s short history.

“To achieve a third-place finish in the league and a cup final is a remarkable achievement. Swifty, Michael and Richie have truly set the benchmark for our next manager.”