NEW Kilwinning Rangers manager David Gormley said his players have got to be proud of their achievements after reaching the inaugural Kilmarnock Pie West of Scotland Cup final.

Though the ultimate feeling is that of disappointment, after they lost out to Hurlford United in the showpiece match.

In a fashion befitting of the season the match went the distance, as penalties were needed to separate the two sides after a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes.

The match was played on Saturday, June 11, around 12 months after both sides started their pre-season training.

It wasn’t a great start to the match for the Buffs, who after an early let off, fell behind to a Marc McKenzie goal with less than five minutes played.

The Ford should really have extended their lead on 10 minutes, but Kris Kerr failed to convert into an open goal after a defensive mix up.

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After a frantic opening period, the half died out and Hurlford went in ahead.

The Buffs were much improved in the second half, and should have been level before the hour, when David Ramsay failed to make any good contact on a headed cut back, missing the target from all of two yards.

He would make up for it though, slotting his next chance under McDonald when he was put through one-on-one.

Both teams would end the match with 10 men, when Miller of Hurlford, and that man Ramsay, clashed following a late challenge, with the referee producing a red card for both players.

Penalties followed, and former Kilbride Thistle stopper Martin ‘Ginge’ McDonald was the hero, saving two, while another missed the target - meaning the Ford won 3-2 on penalties.

Speaking to Kilwinning Rangers TV (KRTV) after the match, new boss Gormley said: “I have said to the boys in there, they’ve got to be proud.

“We are down to the bare bones, it’s good character from some of the players, but ultimately, there is a bit of disappointment in there.”