The sun shone on the Showpark on Saturday as East Kilbride Thistle and Cambuslang Rangers remembered club legend Alan Paterson with a memorial match in his honour.
Hundreds flocked to Alan's old stomping ground to show their appreciation for the former player and manager of both clubs, who tragically passed away in September last year at the age of just 44.
And the supporters were treated to a competitive six-goal show on a glorious day for football.
In an emotional moment before kick-off, Alan's two young sons Aiden and Kian held hands with their uncle Ian, Alan's brother, to lead the teams out onto the pitch.
And come full-time, it was Alan's partner Julie who presented the Alan Paterson Memorial Shield to Jags captain Ryan Kelly, after a 4-2 win for the hosts.
It was also fitting that Alan's nephew Reece Paterson netted the opening goal that put Thistle on the road to victory, with a fine strike into the bottom corner that surely would have brought a proud smile from his uncle.
Players who played for, alongside and against Alan in his some 30 years in the junior and amateur football scene graced both sides, while former Jags boss John Brogan managed the home side and ex-Jags gaffer and current Cambuslang Rangers co-boss, Billy Campbell, was in the opposition dugout.
In an entertaining clash, which was raising funds for grassroots football, the Jags took the lead after 20 minutes when Reece Paterson drilled the ball across goal and into the bottom corner past a helpless Jon Connolly in the Camby goal.
The visitors would have been level before the break had Neil Schoneville not cleared Garry O'Hanlon's effort off the line with some impressive defending.
And that was a pivotal moment in the clash as, a few minutes into the second half, Scott McKean doubled Thistle's advantage with a composed finish.
Jonny Diack made it 3-0 when he rounded Connolly and despite the goalkeeper's best efforts to pull him down - with both hands no less - the striker tucked the ball away inside the six yard box.
Moments later, McKean laid on Ally Morgan to tap home a fourth 10 minutes from time.
Referee and ex-Jags player David Roome awarded Camby two penalties in the final knockings of the game, which Paul Brown dispatched with aplomb in between an absolute sitter from six yards, to grab a couple of consolation goals for Camby.
Match-winning manager John Brogan said: "It was an enjoyable game, with a great crowd, a great atmosphere.
"The referee had a shocker, but sometimes you've just got to accept that!
"The weather really made it and it was a good game for everyone to enjoy and remember Alan.
"Alan was such a bubbly character and loved his football. He was well-liked by everyone - that's just the type of guy he was - and he was really good in the dressing room.
"He was a smashing footballer and a genuinely decent guy as well.
"Hopefully, we've raised a few quid."
Billy Campbell said: "I was really privileged to take part in it. I knew Alan for the majority of his life and we spoke constantly.
"There was a bit of emotion in it and I really feel for his family.
"It gave everyone who played with him and those who knew him the opportunity to pay their respects to him and so many people turned up for him.
"I was conscious that I wanted to bring a Cambuslang team that had played with Alan and everyone on that park had.
"It was a wee bit of a tough gig for us, having a much older team out there on the park, but I'm still pleased with the effort they put in.
"And we are thankful for all the people who turned out.
"Thanks to everyone at EK Thistle for setting it up. Hopefully, we can play this game every year now."
Entry to the match was by donation. The total funds raised are yet to be announced but proceeds will go to grassroots football, which Alan was a huge supporter of in his youth coaching days at the likes of local sides Claremont AFC and East Kilbride FC.
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