Dalbeattie Star’s campaign came to an end with a heartbreaking cup final defeat.
The Islecroft side were drawing 1-1 with Caledonian Braves as Saturday’s Utility Hut South of Scotland Challenge Cup final entered the closing stages.
But two late goals saw the trophy head back up the M74 to Lanarkshire.
Star boss Eddie Warwick said: “We’re just tired, we only had a small number available and nothing on the bench to change things or freshen up.
“They got a goal at 88 minutes and it knocked the stuffing out of us, then we had to go for it in the last five minutes and got hit on the counter with an unfortunate deflection.
“We had deserved the lead, I thought we were the better team, started the game better and scored a good goal.
“The equaliser was a mistake we could have avoided, we just didn’t set up properly from a throw in and they got in behind us and scored.
“It was quite even after that, our goalkeeper had to pull off some good saves but it wasn’t miraculous. It got to 88 minutes and they were probably more worried than us due to previous results, they maybe thought it would be a lot easier.”
Dale Milligan’s goal gave Star the lead but Caley Braves were level by the break thanks to Ross McNeil.
Luke Main then put the Lanarkshire side in front, a deflected Marc Kelly effort sealing victory.
Warwick added: “We lost five of our starting 11 due to holidays and loan players had to go back to their clubs as their pre-season starts in the middle of June.
“We didn’t know we would have to wait three weeks from the semi-finals so we lost a few to that. It was a nightmare for us.
“Caley Braves are a full-time team training four days a week who finished 10th in the Lowland League, but it’s a cup final at the end of the day.”
With the season over, Star have already begun preparing for life in the South of Scotland League next season, with Birchtree FC boss Mark McMinn becoming Warwick’s assistant.
Birchtree trio Ross Hunter, Luke McMurtrie and Sam McConaghie have all moved to Islecroft, all three having previously been at St Cuthbert Wanderers.
Queen of the South goalie Konar Pietsch and fellow Palmerston youngster Cameron Shaw, both of whom were on loan at Saints last season, have also signed for Star, as has former Queens and Gretna 2008 midfielder Dean Watson.
Warwick said: “We are building and restructuring.
“We have brought in some new boys and there will be more happening over the next few weeks.”
