MANAGERLESS Preston Athletic’s Scottish Cup campaign ended at the first hurdle after home defeat by Threave Rovers on Saturday.

The two clubs went into the match without a win in the Lowland League between them, and with the county side having parted company with David Bingham earlier in the week after two years as manager of the Pennypit club.

But there was no change in fortune for the county club, as they succumbed to two second-half goals as Threave booked their place in the second round.

Preston chairman Andy Grant told Courier Sport: “There’s not a lot to say, really. We’re managerless and winless.

“I was buoyed by the reaction of the guys in the first half – we could have been three our four up at half-time but we didn’t take our chances and they made us pay by scoring twice in 90 seconds.

“We’re out of the cup, which we were relying on to make some money, but now our focus will be on trying to stay in the league.” On the search for a new manager, he added: “We’re not playing very good football at the moment and we just need someone to come in and give us a lift. I hope we can get someone in before the Gretna game (September 27) but I can’t see that happening.” The two sides went into the match locked together at the foot of the Lowland League table, both on two points but with Preston having played two games more.

Bob Baillie and Brian Foster have been placed in temportary charge of the club, and the players seemed to respond early on, with Michael Osbourne clean through on goal in just the second minute, only to push his effort wide of the post.

The home side made the best of the running in the first half, and deservedly took the lead on the half-hour mark, when midfielder Paul Devlin chipped Threave goalkeeper Vinnie Parker.

Sean Martin had a chance to make it 2-0 after the break, but he could not capitalise after being put through on goal, firing wide of the target.

But after being controversially denied a penalty, Threave struck twice in three minutes, as frontman Andrew Donley slammed the ball home following a goalmouth scramble, before the same man went unmarked into the Preston box to head past Gilbertson.

The home side tried to get back into the match and forced a flurry of late corners but, as Preston pushed forward, the visitors looked increasingly likely to add to their total on the counterattack. But 2-1 it remained, and the county side could not force an equaliser.

The club’s search for a new manager is continuing, with details of how to apply on their website.