DUNBAR United manager Geoff Jones has praised the efforts of his side, as their Scottish Junior Cup run came to an end at the weekend.

The Seasiders were beaten 3-0 by Glenafton Athletic at New Countess Park in the last 16 on Saturday, but Jones said he was "immensely proud" of his side.

The former striker, who took over in the dugout in summer 2014, told Courier Sport: "We played 86 minutes with 10 men against a side two tiers above us, which in my view was not apparent on the balance of play."

Darren Gillon was sent off with the game just four minutes old, and Jones believes that had an impact on the outcome of the match.

He added: "I'm disappointed by the events of the game as I feel had we played 11 vs 11 we might have caused a shock.

"Darren [Gillon] was utterly reckless with his decision to react to a bad challenge and he has to live with the consequences of his dismissal - he made a mistake and I know he's devastated at letting everyone down.

"He will come back stronger for it."

Jones, who succeeded Davie Lees as Seasiders' boss, also sung the praises of the local community, with a bumper crowd turning out for Saturday's last 16 clash.

He said: "We have made plenty friends and gained some new supporters with what we have achieved and I'm delighted about that.

"We need the support of the community, without that it's all pointless really.

"We made some money which is important to keep the place going.

"It's also given the players real belief in ourselves and also the town as a whole has real belief in the club again. "

Jones is also hopeful the club can emulate the achievements of Haddington Athletic and Tranent Juniors, and win promotion from the South Division this season.

They are currently in third place, six points behind second-place Pumpherston Juniors and a further four back on leaders Blackburn United, but with three games in hand.

Jones added: "We are right in the promotion chase."

"It's in our own hands and we must use the belief from the cup run and channel the disappointment from Saturday to ensure we give ourselves a chance.

"It will be hard as we will be playing a lot of games in a short period, I think we probably need to win every game which is a massive ask but there's no doubt we are capable."

Their quest for the South Division title continues on Saturday, when Easthouses Lily visit New Countess Park (KO 2.30pm).