Yoker ATHLETIC co-manager Tommy Montgomery has hailed his players’ resilience after watching them bounce back on Saturday from the loss of their unbeaten league record.

The Whe Ho saw off a well-organised Newton Stewart side 3-1 at Blairmount Park in round two of the Soccer Shop Challenge Cup, thanks to goals from Cameron Ferrier, Kyle Maxwell and Ross McDonald – banishing memories of the previous week’s league loss at Thorniewood.

Montgomery took charge of the Yoker squad solo on Saturday because his fellow co-manager Peter McKenna had tied the knot on Friday and was on his honeymoon – albeit so close to the venue that he was able to make an appearance at the match.

Montgomery said: “I was delighted with the effort and commitment shown by the boys right from the start.

“We made a few substitutions after half time and I was really pleased at the contribution they made.

“It shows the value we have this season in having a quality squad and depth in numbers.

“We are getting goals from a number of different players this season, which is encouraging as unlike last season, we are not having to rely on one or two of the boys for our goals.

“Overall, it was a fantastic performance from the boys on the back of defeat the previous weekend, but it shows us they have the mentality and capability to bounce back after a disappointing result.”

Yoker forced a couple of good early saves out of the Creesiders’ keeper, and thought they’d opened the scoring on 35 minutes, only for the referee to rule that the whole ball hadn’t crossed the line.

But after a goalless first 45 minutes, Yoker made the perfect start to the second period when Ferrier found the bottom corner of the net after a quick break upfield.

The hosts replied midway through the second half with a nice side-footed finish following a good ball in from the wing, but with just eight minutes left Maxwell found the net with a superb strike on the turn to put Yoker back in front.

And the visitors’ place in the draw for round three was secured just before the end when McDonald’s unstoppable strike from 25 yards gave the Newton Stewart keeper no chance.

Yoker return to Holm Park for the first time in several weeks this Saturday, November 28, when they play host to Newmains United.

Montgomery added: “We have already played them this season, so we know it will be another tough one. However we will be going into it full of confidence after Saturday’s cup win.”

This Saturday’s match will again be played behind closed doors, and supporters are reminded to stay at home and follow the action on the club’s social media channels.