TALBOT’S dream of winning the Scottish Cup may have been cut short but the Auchinleck community couldn’t be prouder of their team.

Despite the 4-0 defeat from Hearts, spirits remained high as fans celebrated how far the club had reached in the tournament.

Cramming into local pubs they agreed the squad had played brilliantly and that celebrations were still in order.

Ian McCallum who attended the game said: “I thought the team worked very hard as always, and played with pride.

“Great to see the Hearts fans applauding the team after the game, it was a nice touch. Decent football people would recognise the accomplishment from the whole club.”

“We had a great time in the Gorgie suit, I was getting a bit of stick from some fans, because of the Auchinleck tie I had on.

“Every pub we went into after the game we got the same treatment. All in good spirit though.”

Henry Dumigan, the Talbot secretary, said: “It seems everyone agrees that even though the final score was 4-0 we weren’t disgraced. Hearts were a very strong team and maybe even the potential winners of the entire tournament.

“On the field our boys did as well as they could, it was unlucky they didn’t get any goals in but they tried their best.

“The community is really proud of them for giving everything they could in every game.

“It was also quite the occasion to see as many fans travelling out to the match from local communities.

“Overall it was a great experience and we would certainly take that run every year.”

The Boswell Arms Bar & Restaurant in Auchinleck told the Chronicle they welcomed in two bus loads of fans who were still delighted about the tournament outcome.

A staff member said: “No one was really let down or disappointed, the atmosphere was still really good because everyone knew the boys played well.

“It was good for the community as well because pubs were busy and people were out socialising and having a good time.

“Despite the loss no one seemed too upset. I think it actually boosted community spirit.”