ARDEER THISTLE boss Sean Kenney says his side have restored pride in the Stevenston club, and he is immensely proud despite their West of Scotland Cup run ending.

They crashed out in unfortunate circumstances, as penalties decided their tie against Shotts Bon Accord.

They travelled to Hannah Park with a threadbare squad but their hopes were boosted 23 minutes in when the home side were reduced to ten men.

However, it was Shotts who managed to pull ahead, scoring from a corner before half time.

Ardeer came out rejuvenated in the second half, and Marc Wardrope drew his side level 65 minutes in.

This was only short lived though, as the home side pulled ahead again only two minutes later.

But Thistle equalised once more, with only five minutes left, and were unlucky not to win the match, spurning a great chance with the game’s last kick.

The match ended 2-2, going straight to penalties, though this proved a step too far for Ardeer, losing these 3-1 as Shotts progressed to the last 16.

It brought to an end an amazing cup run - which saw Premier League high fliers Troon knocked out in the first round.

Thistle boss Sean Kenney said: “I’m proud of the boys, Troon are having a good season, that was a great day for the whole club, the fans and even the local businesses – a few pubs got a turn that night!

“The boys have given Stevenston the pride back in the club again, I think that was the big target.”