St Cuthbert Wanderers boss Josh Gardner was proud of his players despite Saturday’s heavy defeat to Troon.
The Kirkcudbright side lost 6-0 to the West of Scotland League Premier Division side after having Alexander Riddock sent off in the first half.
The defeat puts to an end the South of Scotland League champs’ participation in this season’s SFA South Region Challenge Cup.
Gardner said: “We played 65 minutes with 10 men. We were looking to get it to 1-0 at half-time to regroup but in the last five minutes there were two bad bits of defending.
“They eventually just wore us down in the second half and scored another three goals.
“The positive was in the second half the boys emptied the tank and their effort levels and commitment didn’t waver even though they were 3-0 down and down to 10 men at half-time.
“If they can take that work rate and determination on they’ll do well in their own league.
“I was gutted for them as I don’t think they deserved to lose 6-0. That’s what top teams do – when you’re down to 10 men with 65 minutes to go it’s always going to be a tough task.”
Sam Jamieson fired Troon in front after just four minutes, Saints’ task getting a whole lot harder when Reece McAteer went off injured before Riddock was sent off.
And goals from Stephen Wilson and Dean Fulton just before the break put the home side well in control.
Jamieson got his second just before the hour mark, Wilson making it five with 20 minutes left.
And 12 minutes from time Josh Black curled home the sixth to complete the scoring.
Gardner said: “Troon are a top side in the West Premier Division.
“It was one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. When you play the top sides you need a bit of luck but we didn’t get that.
“We went 1-0 down but weren’t playing badly and were getting back into the game. Reece McAteer went down with an injury pretty early and had to be stretchered off, then moments later Alexander Riddock got a straight red.
“I was on the opposite side of the pitch but at first glance I thought it was a really good challenge. He won the ball cleanly but apparently his follow through caught the Troon player quite high up on the leg which caused a bit of a reaction from their bench.
“If it goes against you, you probably think it’s a bit harsh, but if it happens to you you’re probably screaming for a red card.
“He got a straight red but that’s not in his make up at all. I’ve had him at a few teams and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him sent off.”
Gardner is hopeful McAteer will be available for Saturday’s trip to Newton Stewart.
And he’s also aiming to tie up a deal for former Gretna 2008 and Dalbeattie Star defender Farrel O’Sullivan.
“We need to take the game to them instead of letting them bring the game to us. It should be a decent tussle.”
