MUIRKIRK Juniors boss Ross Cusick says he took immense pride in his side's weekend cup showing - despite falling to an agonising defeat.

The Kirk travelled to North Ayrshire to face higher division opposition in Kilwinning Rangers in the second round of the South Challenge Cup on Saturday, September 14.

The Burnside Park outfit fell behind in the first half with Dylan Duncan firing the Buffs ahead just before the 40 minute mark.

However the Second Division table toppers came back in the second 45, equalising through Dillon McLauchlan.

Paul Doyle looked to have won it for the visitors in the 91st minute, but Jack McMahon notched an even later equaliser to take the tie to extra time.

The same player then gave the Buffs the lead again in the first half of the extra 30 minutes - and Kevin Kelly's men held on the progress.

Despite the heartbreaking nature of the defeat, Cusick was pleased with his side's showing - in particular how his players bounced back from facing their first league defeat of the season last weekend.

He said: “Performance wise I couldn’t have asked for anymore. I asked for a reaction and we went there to have a real go.

“We didn’t go to just try and sneak a result, we really put it on them and pressed them high.

“We went with ambitions of getting through, we don’t feel a million miles away from these teams.”

(Image: Muirkirk JFC)

The Muirkirk boss admits it will be the "one time" this season that his side will be looking at the upside following a loss.

He continued: “When we go 2-1 late in the game, it got closer to reality and we really should have seen it through.

“We are angry and disappointed but in terms of performance I thought we were the best team on the day. It was just unfortunate the way it panned out.

“What we did say to the boys after the game is that this is the one game this season that they’ll get a pass with regards to taking positives from defeat.

“All we want to take away from this is that we can go to these places and compete, we don’t need to feel beneath anybody and if we go out with the right attitude it’s a level playing field and we can beat anybody.

“I think the penny dropped, that can only do us well for moving forward.”

Now, he is hoping that the squad will take confidence from the performance into their league campaign - as they look to secure promotion from the WoSFL Second Division.

Cusick added: “I think everyone can get caught up in the fact that, historically, the Buffs are a bigger side than Muirkirk – but it’s about what you are doing right now.

“We’ve got a right good squad of players who will no doubt go and play above the Second Division.

“I think after the game the boys have realised there isn’t a huge gulf between where they are and the division above.

“We didn’t look out of place at all and personally, I am alright with it, I’m proud of them.”

Before they return to league action, The Kirk have a Scottish Junior Cup tie to contend with - a tricky trip north to face Banks o' Dee.

Cusick said: “The league is going to be of paramount importance to us. That being said, the Junior Cup is the Junior Cup.

“I think we’ve got a good chance up in Aberdeen, there won’t be any inferiority complex to deal with.

“It’s the big one for everybody, it’s still got that romance to it, we’ll be trying to get through.”

The match will take place at Spain Park on Saturday, September 21, with kick off at 2.30pm.