Musselburgh Athletic manager Stevie McLeish bemoaned his side’s lack of cutting edge in the Scottish Junior Cup final, as they lost out 2-1 to Auchinleck Talbot at Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park on Sunday, with the winner scored from a controversial penalty.

McLeish’s side controlled the ball for large spells but were unable to break down Talbot after Gordon Pope’s penalty on the hour put the Ayrshire side ahead for the second time, after a stunning opener by Dwayne Hislop had been cancelled out by a super strike from Burgh’s star striker Jordyn Sheerin.

McLeish told Courier Sport after the match: “We had lots of good possession, we played some really attractive stuff today.

“If I’ve got any complaints, we didn’t create enough chances with the ball. We didn’t get in behind them enough and ask more questions.

“If we get in behind them a bit more, then maybe the result would have been different. Having said that, they scored a wonder goal initially and at that point the game is quite even; we then score a wonder goal to get back in it and then they get a softish penalty.

“I thought ‘I’m not sure that’s a penalty’ but that’s what happens, they got the break, they took their chance and then they dropped off.

“In the time up to the penalty I felt that we were the more likely to score, but that’s what happens.” And the manager admitted he was just as disappointed as his players.

He added: “I’ve got a bunch of boys in there who I just can’t fault for their effort – they’ve given their all and I’m disappointed for them.” McLeish praised the efforts of goalscorer Sheerin, who seems likely to leave Olive Bank this summer.

“You saw it today, he’s a quality player. I’ve got a lot of guys who’re coming to the end of their deals,” he said. “We really hope they stay, but that’s football.” He also heaped praise on centre back pairing Andy Munro and Robert Wilson, and midfielder Darren Smith, who played his final game for the club before moving to hometown side Tranent Juniors, as well as Graeme Beveridge out wide, despite the on-loan Elgin man only arriving back in Scotland hours before kick-off after a holiday.

And the Musselburgh Athletic manager thanked the travelling fans for their support, both at Rugby Park, and in the Honest Toun, He added: “What a group the supporters are, they’ve been absolutely magnificent. They were right behind us today. I think everyone has been behind the team – it’s been really good to go into Musselburgh and see all the blue and white flags.” McLeish, who only took over as manager earlier in the season, added: “Getting to the final is a success, whether it’s your first year or your last.

“Overall it’s been a really good six, seven months in charge. We’ll be just as strong next year.”