“My disappointment is more for the players than me because they have done well for me this season.

“I think on the night I cannot fault effort. The effort was there. I do think the lack of quality let them down and I know from working with them day in day out that they are better footballers than they showed.

“I thought we were loose in possession at certain times. I thought when we did keep the ball – and we did not do it often enough – we got into good areas we looked more a threat.

“But we did not do that nearly enough and that will be the biggest frustration for them. Not enough of them turned up and performed on the night.

“It good to be here to have the opportunity, but once you are here you want to win it.

“Connor McLennan felt his hamstring. He had a problem at the start of the week, but he thought he would get through the game. He is quite a dynamic player but it does mean he picks up injuries from time to time. He was our main threat in the first half when we gave him the ball. We did not give him the ball enough. It was a very good goal.

“The dressing room is very sober. Not much has been said. Heads are down. Massive disappointment. But it is done now. We can’t right those wrongs until next year but there are not many of them who can play in the competition next season.

“With it changing next season to a Reserve League and an U18 League – with the Youth Cup being U18, there are only some of the younger ones who will get another opportunity. If they do get back to another final then hopefully they will have learned from tonight.”

“With it changing next season to a Reserve League and an U18 League – with the Youth Cup being U18, there are only some of the younger ones who will get another opportunity. If they do get back to another final then hopefully they will have learned from tonight.”