Sunday’s Only Sport Challenge Cup Final already feels slightly different before a ball has even been kicked.

Two newer GDSFC sides. Two clubs still building their story inside the league. And two squads arriving at New Western Park believing this could become a major moment in their development.

Frank here 👋

After following the GDSFC all season and seeing both these teams among the 60+ sides I’ve watched this season, here’s my thoughts heading into Sunday’s Only Sport Challenge Cup Final.

First thing — brilliant to see two newer teams reach a final because this is exactly why competitions like the Challenge Cup exist in the first place.

Chandlers recruited well following Budhill United Colts folding from the Championship, while Hillwood have had a very strong second half of the season and probably look destined to push towards the Premiership level.

At the same time, Chandlers have had a very good first season in the GDSFC themselves, pushing Stonelaw all the way in Division Two and finishing runners-up.

That’s why this final feels interesting.

It’s not just about divisions — it’s about two teams arriving at the right time.

Both sides work hard. Both try to play football the right way. And both will know this is an opportunity to finish the season on a real high with potentially their first trophy inside the GDSFC.

I also think New Western Park could get a really good crowd for this one.

Cup finals usually come down to moments and who handles the occasion best.

For Hillwood, James McGill is definitely worth keeping an eye on. There’s goals in the young man and he’s been a big part of Hillwood’s strong run this season.

For Chandlers, Grant Cathro has been really impressive in front of goal as well and looks like the type of player who can make things happen in a final.

Hopefully that gives us an entertaining game because honestly I think this one has the ingredients to quietly become one of the better finals of the season.

One thing this final probably does show as well is the strength and depth across the GDSFC divisions.

Hillwood have now spent a few years building within the league structure and this could potentially become their first major trophy moment.

For Chandlers Sunday, this final could end up being the perfect finish to a very impressive debut season in the GDSFC.

Either way, somebody is walking away from New Western on Sunday with their first major moment in the league — and that usually creates a decent cup final.