ATTENTION must now focus on getting Dunbar United promoted back to the Premier Division, boss Kevin Haynes has told his players.
The Seasiders’ bid to reach the third round of the Scottish Cup was ended on Saturday by the University of Stirling.
Darren Handling’s early goal had given Dunbar the lead but the visitors to New Countess Park would end up 3-1 winners.
Haynes felt his team did not play to their potential but urged them to focus on Dunipace this weekend.
The Denny side sit fourth in the First Division table but just two points adrift of league leaders Dunbar, who are looking to immediately bounce back to the top flight of the East of Scotland Football League after last day relegation last season.
Haynes said: “The league has always been our focus.
“There are still a few cup competitions that we need to compete in but we need to get the Scottish Cup out of our heads.
“It is done; it was done at 5pm on Saturday.
“We need to focus on what our next game is and that is against Dunipace.
“We are taking it one game at a time and we will see where we are at 5pm on Saturday.”
Dunbar had already knocked out two higher league opposition in Vale of Leithen and Clachnacuddin in the preliminary and first rounds of the Scottish Cup.
Handling’s goal on four minutes had given Dunbar the perfect start and the possibility of making it a hat-trick of cup upsets.
Two goals before half time turned the game and a third after the hour mark gave Dunbar an uphill battle.
Darren Smith then missed a penalty and fading chances were ended when Smith was sent off with two minutes left to play.
Haynes felt his side “did not do ourselves justice” in front of a crowd of about 600.
The manager was hopeful the fans would keep coming through the gates and cheering on the side in their bid for promotion.
He said: “Long may it continue.
“I hope because it is just our second year in the competition that that is not the only reason we are getting the crowds.
“I hope it is not just because it is new and fresh and captures the local community.
“I hope it is something they are always going to do.
“We were well supported at the game and we had hospitality that was full.
“People are buying into it and enjoying the occasion.
“Lots of people I spoke to personally said it was a great occasion and hopefully it will be supported for a long time.”
Dunbar were East Lothian’s last representative in the competition and Haynes refused to put the blame on Smith for the club’s elimination.
The manager said: “He is not the first person to be sent off or the last.
“He lost his head a wee bit but it is an emotional sport.
“He has acted out of character and it is an isolated incident.
“It is not as if it happens all the time and, at the end of the day, it had no bearing on the result.”
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