Queens lift inaugural Charlie Boy Trophy

QUEEN of the South became the first winners of the Charlie Boy Foundation Trophy on Tuesday night.

The Doonhamers travelled to Castle Douglas to face Threave Rovers in their latest pre-season match.

The warm-up game was the first of what will now be an annual match played in memory of Charlie Watson who was a midfielder for both clubs before losing his brave battle to cancer at the age of 20 just over a year ago.

It was a fairly even contest at Meadow Park – which was reffed by Ewan Pow, the brother of Charlie’s partner Kathryn – with Josh Kelly heading home the only goal of the game after the break to secure victory and bring the cup to Palmerston.

After the match Charlie’s mum Amanda and step-dad Richard were on hand to present Jack Hannah with the trophy.

It was a well-attended match with half of all proceeds to be given to the foundation.

Threave boss Danny Dunglinson thanked all who came along to the match and spoke about his friend Charlie.

He added: “Charlie was a great lad. He was a friend to everyone and was brilliant to have in the changing room and around the club.

“That televised Scottish Cup match against Stranraer in the Scottish Cup will be forever remembered as Charlie’s night. It’s a nice happy memory to have, it’s not nice that he’s not with us any more but Tuesday night shows we’ll do anything we can to keep his legacy alive.”

On the match, Dunglinson said: “I thought the players did really well but I think fitness proved in the second half. We did well and can leave with our heads held high.”

Queen of the South manager Nicky Clark added: “It meant a lot to be involved playing in this match. It was really sad news about Charlie and when we found out we were invited to play this game, we were delighted to do so for the cause.

“It was a really good turnout which is great, with half the gate money going to charity which is brilliant.

“I’m delighted to be involved in the game, I thought it was a good match.

“Credit to Threave they made it hard for us at times. They were good and organised.

“It was a good test for us and a different one. We are in a physical league so it was ideal to play a physical team in pre-season.

“It was a really good test for us, especially with Tommy Goss up front for them, but I thought Jack Hannah and Niall Rogerson handled it well.”