GLENAFTON Athletic staff were in a state of shock after they battled to save a man's life at the side of the pitch.

Glens boss Craig McEwan was among those who rushed to try and save the elderly man but to no avail as he later passed away.

Glens hastily arranged a friendly against Whitletts at Craigmark's Station Park in Dalmellington after their trip to Dundee Violet was called off on Saturday afternoon.

As the match was in progress the man parked his car at the pitch and as he emerged from the motor he collapsed to the ground.

Worried onlookers raised the alarm and Glens boss McEwan, club physio Michelle McInnes and match secretary Jim Marshall as well as the Whitletts physio took it in turns to perform CPR on the man.

They performed CPR for around 15 minutes before an ambulance arrived. The man was unresponsive and the ambulance crew worked to save him for another ten minutes before taking him away.

A badly shaken Glens secretary, John Stewart said: "It was horrible to see. Craig and Michelle and the Whitletts physio worked really hard to try and save him. They were sweating because they were working so hard.

"We wrapped him up in the Glenafton tracksuits to try and keep him warm as we waited for the ambulance to arrive.

"Craig was really upset as was Michelle. She was so distressed she had to go straight home after it. It was so sad.

"We can only thank Craig, Michelle and the Whitletts physio for what they did.

"Nobody was interested in football after that. It really just puts everything in to perspective at a time like that.

"We later learned that the man had died. His family brought the club tracksuits they used to keep him warm back to us.

"We appreciate everyone concerned from both clubs for their assistance and help. It was a sad end to the game. We send our condolences to all his family and friends."

The Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed that two ambulances were sent to the ground at around 1.45pm.