Brian McGinty insists his Cumnock stars have become heroes to a generation after landing the Scottish Junior Cup for just the third time in the club's history.
Findlay Frye's winning goal deep into stoppage time secured the silverware on a dramatic night at Broadwood.
And McGinty, who steered 'Nock to the trophy for the first time since 1989, hailed his side for writing themselves into club folklore.
He said: "It's a generational thing for the club - the teams of 1979 and '89 are legends of the club and heroes to the supporters. These guys have now put themselves in those echelons.
"I didn't think the goal was coming. I feel for Rutherglen to lose a goal in that matter but we kept going right until the end.
"Finals are about winning - it doesn't matter how you do it. It's been a long time coming for the club and I'm delighted for everyone from the players to the supporters.
"When it gets that late you expect it's going to penalties but we had so many chances at the end and couldn't get the final touch.
"I say it all the time, big games need big moments and we've delivered when we needed it."
Goal hero Frye pounced to bundle home from two yards out after Jordan Moore's flick on had rebounded off the post - and that sparked wild scenes of joy in the stands from the large Cumnock support.
Skipper Kyle McAusland added: "It's up there with the best moments of my career. I made my debut at Ibrox and played with Scotland and have won the Scottish Cup with Glenafton.
"But Cumnock is my local team and town. I've heard for the last six months we were going to win it but we've had to play some right good teams to do this."
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