Saltcoats Victoria manager Iain McMillan says it was a huge moment for the club as they won the Sheena Thomson Memorial Trophy for the first time with a 2-1 win over Irvine Victoria.

Saltcoats started off brightly in the cup final at Victoria Park, taking the lead in the first half through a free kick from Logan Stevenson before second half substitute George Thomson doubled their advantage.

Irvine Victoria’s Derek Kennedy’s pulled the hosts back into it via a penalty but Saltcoats held on to win the competition for the first time since it was started back in 2016, to pay homage the stalwart who served both the clubs.

Speaking to the Herald, McMillan said: “I was self-isolating, so I was not at the game, but I was told it was a good performance up until the 65th minute or so when we made some changes that disrupted the flow of the game.

“Up until that point, however, I was told it was a great display and we were very commanding.

“It means a lot to the club that we have our name on that trophy, at last, it has been too long that we have not won it.

“For the management team and I meant a lot as well because we knew Thomson personally and worked with her as players and as management.

“She was not just someone I knew through football she was somebody I considered to be a really good friend.”

“For the fans to be back in as well to witness it as well and join in the celebrations with the players and staff was brilliant. “

The result at the weekend continued Saltcoats unbeaten pre-season as they have also picked up wins over Troon U20’s and Lochmaben FC, with McMillan saying he is happy his side is picking up a healthy habit.

He added: “It absolutely brilliant to get into these winning habits as it is such an important thing to get into ahead of our first competitive game of the season.

“Before then we are hopeful of a midweek fixture this week, then have a confirmed fixture on Saturday at home to Heston Rovers which is our last preseason game.”