Kieran McAnespie watched his Clydebank side crash out of the Scottish Junior Cup then admitted the tie was gone the second Hurlford forced a replay back at Lochburn.

McAnespie’s side took the lead just six minutes into the replay thanks to Nicky Little, but the gaffer conceded that a lack of experience cost his side.

Leading 1-0 with seconds remaining at Blair Park, Bankies were looking set for a semi-final spot last week until Liam Caddis popped up with a stoppage time leveller.

And Caddis was the man to level in the replay before the Ford ran away with it.

McAnespie said: “It was a sickener. They took the stuffing out of us really. It was just a wee bit too much for us in the end. They were superior to us, had more experience and were able to see it out better than we did.

Read more: Clydebank FC crash out of Junior Cup after disappointing Ford replay

“I can’t fault the boys for all of their efforts and everything they’ve done throughout the season and I can’t be too critical but to lose a goal so late in the first game is what done us. That was our opportunity.

“I don’t want to have a go at the pitch at Lochburn but it doesn’t suit our style of play - you shouldn’t need to adapt your style for your ‘home’ pitch but we did and Hurlford played to their strengths.

“The main difference in the tie was experience. It’s a case of game management. Players of Hurlford’s calibre come at a very high premium and that’s something we’re not in a position to match right now. We need to figure other ways out to win games.”

With their cup efforts taking them away from league duty, Bankies have slipped down to seventh in the West Premiership and while McAnespie’s aim is to finish as high up the table as possible, he is realistic about their season and has started to prepare for what next season holds.

He added: “We need to make sure they’re prepared for what the future holds for this club.

“We’ve not got a lot to play for in the league now. Our main focus was the cup but it wasn’t to be this year. Our focus now is putting as many points on the board as we can now.”