Dalbeattie Star’s League Cup campaign is over with a game to spare.
The Islecroft side lost 2-0 at Caledonian Braves on Saturday and that, combined with their draw against Gretna 2008 a few days earlier, means they cannot progress from the group despite still having East Kilbride to play.
Star boss Chris Jardine said: “We knew Saturday was winner takes all so we picked a side to win the game. I made a couple of changes and they didn’t work so I hold my hands up to that but now we’ve got a game against East Kilbride which means absolutely nothing for us.
“We have so many games to play and that is way down the list of priorities. It’s another game we really don’t need.”
Cammy Breadner gave the Braves an early lead which was soon doubled by Jamie Watson.
Star improved in the second half before Darren Holt saved Marc Kelly’s penalty as the home side looked to kill things off, Lewis Dickinson then seeing red as the visitors finished with 10 men.
Jardine added: “We were really disappointed with the first half. We changed a few things at half-time and it was a really positive second half performance but unfortunately the first 15 or 20 minutes left us too much work to do.
“I’m pleased with the second half performance but we need to do it for 90 minutes.
“They have a certain way of playing, the midfield are really good, they rotate well and they caused us a few problems.
“We struggled to get to grips with it in the first half but the second half we changed some things tactically and were a lot better.
“Afterwards their manager and assistant Davie Winters said they were lucky second half because we were a lot better but I felt the same with the first half and were fortunate to go in two down.”
Star got back to winning ways on Tuesday night with victory at Lowland League basement boys Vale of Leithen.
An own goal gave Star the lead and Liam Douglas doubled the advantage before the break to put the visitors well in control.
Vale had chances in the second half but couldn’t take them as Star returned home from the Borders with all three points.
The win lifts Star back up to 10th in the table with eight league games left – the most of any side.
Their league games continue on Saturday when they welcome Celtic’s youngsters to Islecroft.
And they’re looking for a repeat of when the other half of the Old Firm came to Dalbeattie last year.
Jardine said: “We were excellent against Rangers and had a well deserved 2-0 victory.
“We can perform well against the better sides. I’m sure it’ll be a big crowd so hopefully we can produce that kind of performance and do ourselves justice.”
