EGLINTON FC co-boss William Shearer says he "could not be prouder" of his side's efforts in recent weeks.

The past three weekends have seen the West of Scotland Football League Fourth Division club take a break for league efforts to mount challenges in a number of cup competitions.

In each of the League Cup, South Challenge Cup and Strathclyde Demolition Cup, the Kilwinning side headed into fixtures as massive underdogs against teams far above in the league standings.

Despite exits to First Division outfit Thorniewood United, a last-minute defeat to Lowland League side Bo'ness United and a loss in their first-ever semi-final against Premier Division club St Cadoc's, Shearer was more than pleased with Eglinton's efforts.

Although each match resulted in losses, the co-boss says signs of improvement are clear.

Speaking on the club's social media after their 3-0 Strathclyde Demolition Cup semi-final loss to St Cadoc's on Saturday, October 19, Shearer - who co-manages alongside Dougie Taylor -gave high praise to his players.

He said: “Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Thorniewood United and Bo'ness United getting through to the next rounds and St Cadocs reaching the final of the Strathclyde Demolition Cup.

“On our own performances over the past three weeks, I couldn't be prouder of what our squad has shown against Lowland League, Premier and First Division teams.

“In previous seasons, we have been on the end of some very heavy scorelines against this level of opposition, but the past few weeks have shown the improvements we have made over the last 12 months."

(Image: Eglinton FC)

The co-boss now has his sights set on continuing a push for promotion when Eglinton return to league action at home to Campbeltown Pupils on Saturday, October 26.

Shearer continued: “It's always difficult to take a defeat, but the standards the squad has shown in the ability to take on instruction, play to a gameplan and the work rate and effort shown in each performance has now got to be our minimum standard moving forward.

“We are disappointed to be out of the cups but the boys can take real confidence in what they have now shown against top opponents and start to prepare for our return to league action next week.”