Thorn Athletic’s impressive run in the Demolition Cup fell at the final hurdle as the Fourth Division club were narrowly edged out by Whitletts Victoria.
Playing in the competition for the first time having only joined the WoSFL at the start of the year, Barry McLaughlin’s side had already upset the odds to make it all the way to the semi-finals.
Facing off against First Division opposition at New Western Park, the Johnstone team found themselves behind early on when Dean McColm fired the established Ayr club in front on the nine-minute mark.
Thorn stuck to their task though and were unfortunate to still be behind at the break, with Whitletts keeper Louis Kerr pulling off two sublime saves to keep his team in front.
McLaughlin’s men battled to the end but couldn’t find a leveller, with Vics not making the result secure until the 90th minute when Jordan Boyd netted to seal the Ayrshire side a spot in the final.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on a first-ever senior cup final appearance, McLaughlin was full of praise for his young side and believes they will have learned a huge amount from their memorable run to the last four.
He told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “I was delighted with how the boys applied themselves throughout the game.
“To take on a team three leagues above us and keep it to 1-0 until the last minute and still in with a great chance, they deserve huge credit.
“Whitletts gave their keeper man of the match, which always says a lot. Everyone gave their best but it just wasn’t to be on the day.
“We’re obviously disappointed not to make the final, but we can take a lot of positives from the run overall.
“Sometimes you can get too greedy and you need to step back and look at the full picture.
“We’re only six months in and in truth we’re probably two or three years ahead of where we should be.
“It’s a remarkable achievement for the boys and I’m very proud of them.”
Thorn Athletic’s opponents don’t get any easier this weekend. They travel to Buffs Park on Saturday to take on Ayrshire Premier Division side Kilwinning Rangers in the second round of the WoSFL Cup.
McLaughlin believes his developing side will learn even more whatever the result, especially the youngsters who have been involved in recent weeks.
He said: “It’s certainly not an easy tie against Kilwinning. Historically they are a big club at this level and there’ll be a big crowd along.
“It’s a great experience for our players though and great exposure for them.
“I know how much they love their footy in Ayrshire, especially their junior sides.
“We’ve had four or five 16-year-olds involved recently because we’ve been missing a number of senior players.
“They’ve all done brilliantly when they’ve come in. They’re playing adults but you wouldn’t know it, they’re so confident.
“Nathan McLelland came in against Whitletts and was superb. All of the young boys have done themselves proud and been a credit to the club.
“Our older players have helped too by giving them guidance through the games as well. We’ve got some great characters and experienced players in our squad who have helped them make the transition.
“It’s all looking very positive at the moment and long may that continue.”
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