Threave Rovers have quit the South of Scotland League.
The club’s resignation was confirmed at the league’s AGM on Monday night.
Chairman Davie McVitie would not reveal the reasons to the News, although it has been rumoured for some time that the Castle Douglas club plans to move to the West of Scotland League and compete against Ayrshire clubs.
Threave’s resignation means they won’t get the chance to defend the League Cup, which they won on Friday night after a 4-1 win against St Cuthbert Wanderers.
Boss Vinnie Parker said: “We stuck to the game plan, we went to war for half an hour then after we won our battles it allowed us to play football.
“I’m slightly angry with myself that isn’t how we played in the league against them. I felt we played far too much football against them.
“Now, we go to war for half an hour and win our battles. In the last two games, Tom Smith has had Ross Hunter in his pocket. Graham Wright made a world class save that kept us in the game, it was probably save of the season.
“I’d happily play those games week in, week out. It’s enjoyable for everyone – the people watching and those involved. There’s a bit of needle and it’s a big derby.
“I’ve said before there’s no great love lost and they’re great to be involved in.”
Threave took the lead when Phil Middlemiss’ cross was deflected into the net but Saints equalised just before the break through Russell Williamson.
But Threave were back in front early in the second half through Dan Carmichael before Scott Milligan made it three.
And in the dying minutes Alex Henderson completed the scoring to give Threave the trophy
Parker added: “We scored some absolutely unbelievable goals. Scott Milligan’s was unbelievable and Alex Henderson was absolutely brilliant and his goal to finish it off was nothing short of spectacular.
“Creetown’s hospitality was also second to none. The pitch was in great condition and everything they put on was second to none.
“I did moan about it being there, I thought it should have been in Dumfries, but they went the extra mile and it was a great venue.”
Threave looked on course to complete a cup double over Saints on Tuesday night.
A goal from Dan Carmichael gave them the lead in the Potts Cup final at Newton Stewart.
But that was cancelled out by Scott Ballantyne, the same player giving Saints the lead before the break.
Tuesday’s match was the final game of the South of Scotland League season, with the new campaign due to begin on Saturday, July 30.
