RELIEVED Girvan FC assistant boss Chris Flanagan has praised his side from recovering from early setback to book their place in the opening round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The Seasiders conceded a goal in Saturday's second preliminary round away to St Cuthbert Wanderers less than a minute into the game.

However they dusted themselves down and eventually won 5-3.

Now they face a marathon five-and-a-half journey north to face Brora Rangers in the opening round on Saturday, September 23.

Flanagan, who took the team with manager Peter Leonard on holiday said: "It was difficult was we were without three centre halves for the match. Steven O'Donnell and Danny Cunningham were suspended and John Frame was injured.. But we battled hard and it's important for the club to progress in the cup. We had some good support and a lot of the usual die-hards came along to support us."

Looking ahead he said: "We look forward to the Brora game. it will take five-and-half hours to get there and I'm not sure if there would be an overnight stay. They are third in the Highland League and are a good side. But we only lost 2-1 to Huntly at home last year and hopefully this time we can come through."

But before that on Saturday Girvan head to Newlandsfield Park to take on Pollok in a Super League Premier Division match.

He said: "We are unbeaten in the league, drawing two games and we have lost just once to Talbot in the Ardagh Cup. Hopefully we can go up there and take something."