CUMNOCK Juniors boss Stephen Swift has heaped praise on his side's crocked stars after they helped earn the club a spot in the South Challenge Cup last 16.

The Townhead Park side earned their place in the latter stages of the tournament after a superb penalty shootout win over fellow West of Scotland Football League Premier Division outfit Drumchapel United.

In the midst of an injury crisis, Cumnock took the lead in the match with Dylan Dykes notching just before the half-time whistle.

Drumchapel levelled just before the hour mark through David Hopkirk but there was no further scoring and the game headed to extra-time.

The additional half an hour was also goalless meaning penalties were required to separate the two sides.

Cumnock put memories of shootouts lost this season behind them to win 4-2 - thanks in part to a pair of outstanding saves from stopper Blair Currie.

“Everyone knows that we are in a predicament in terms of what we had available," Swift commented.

“I think the boys, credit to them, have showed how much they want to be here. It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself but they’ve come out swinging.

“We had players really struggling with muscular injuries playing. To get 90 minutes out them was a tall order, never mind 120 and winning on penalties.

“For a real moral booster, I think it was great. It was very challenging but the character of the group was unbelievable.”

The Cumnock boss was also pleased with the mentality shown in spite of bad memories from other cup competitions this season.

Swift added: “We’ve been put out two trophies this year on penalties, there could have been a familiar feeling.

“But in terms of how we played and the character within the group, there was a real different feel.

“The boys had the confidence to step up and make sure we were through and Blair Currie had a big part to play.”

Cumnock are now scheduled to have no competitive fixtures until Saturday, December 14, with Swift welcoming the break in action.

He plans to keep his side inactive for at least two of those weeks to allow his squad to recover from recent endeavours.

The boss is particularly happy to be heading into the break off the back of a league win and cup progression.

He said: “We’ve got two free Saturdays at the minute and we are going to embrace that. We’ll use this to rebuild and get players back fit.

“It’s a much needed break in terms of where the squad are at the minute. After the Ashfield game we kind of feared the break but the boys have resurrected it.

“To win a league game and get back in a better position but also still be in the South Challenge is great – we’re pleased with the last couple of weeks.”