DUNBAR United manager Geoff Jones was “absolutely thrilled” with his side as they dumped out one of the favourites in the Football Nation Qualifying Cup on Saturday.

Jones said that the 4-1 win over Linlithgow Rose, secured thanks to doubles from Chris King and Dean Ballantyne, was outwith his “wildest of dreams”.

The Dunbar boss sung the praises of his players, saying: “Saturday was a brilliant day for everyone concerned with the club, and for anyone who was at the game they would agree it was fully deserved.

“To go to Linlithgow and thrash them the way we did with six players missing was quite unbelievable and not something I expected even in my wildest of dreams.

“I’m absolutely thrilled for the players, who are just a brilliant group of lads.”

The former striker, who made more than 400 appearances for Dunbar, added that, going into the game, he had a “wee feeling” that his side might “sneak” a result.

He said: “I challenged them to believe in themselves, to take responsibility and affect the game in a positive manner.

“A lot of teams turn up to Linlithgow beaten before they even start but the players just had that look in their eye that told me they fancied it. It was a proper team performance, with every player getting a nine or 10 out of 10.

“I can’t remember a better display during my time here as manager or before as a payer, which spans the last 20 years – that’s how well we played.”

Jones also praised goalscorers Ballantyne and King, adding: “The goals came at important times, and that really hurt them but when you have Kingy and Deano in the team you always know that even half a chance can be enough.”

Jones also hopes other teams will “sit up and take notice” following Dunbar’s big weekend victory, and hopes his side can kick on when they take on Peebles Rovers in the East of Scotland League this weekend.

Of the Borders side, Jones said: “The banana skin games are always after a massive high like Saturday, when there is a danger that the players are still patting themselves on the back and don’t approach the game correctly.”