Jeanfield Swifts will use Scottish Cup exit as fuel for future successes, says manager Robbie Holden

Jeanfield Swifts’ stars will use the disappointment of their Scottish Cup exit to fuel future successes, manager Robbie Holden insists.

Swifts dropped out of the famous competition on Friday night following a 2-0 defeat at New Douglas Park against League Two Clyde.

Holden’s men had operated efficiently in the early stages and looked the likelier of the teams to nudge into the lead.

But second half headers from Liam Scullion and Logan Dunachie ended the Perth dream at the third round stage.

“We’re disappointed with the outcome but there is also a sense of pride and I said that to the boys,” Holden explained to the PA.

“I thought we matched them and put them under a lot of pressure.

“Our players need to use the disappointment of Friday night as motivation to kick on and go after the other competitions. We’ll come back stronger.

“We’re really proud and still have a lot to play for this season.”

Swifts had thumped Elgin City 6-0 in the previous round to tee-up another shot at glory and Holden will reflect on fine margins against Clyde.

He said: “It didn’t look like there was two tiers of difference between the teams.

“There were a couple of big moments in the game which maybe didn’t go our way.

“We make a wee error, they get a goal from it and it changes the complexion of the game.

“I thought we had another go at them and we had a couple of balls whipped across the six yard line which we should be on the end of.

“But as the game wore on, it just felt like it wasn’t going to happen. They were putting bodies on the line blocking shots from everywhere.

“A clinical edge is not something we have lacked lately but it deserted us in the most important game.

“Maybe we were a wee bit tense at times and the astroturf played its part.