Barry McLaughlin says he is thrilled to see his team progress into a semi-final after a clinical performance.
The Thorn Athletic manager praised his team for their hard work and determination as they clinched a dramatic 4-3 victory over Eglinton in the last eight of the Strathclyde Demolition Cup.
Despite the team making it difficult for themselves in the second half, getting into the semi-finals was all that mattered to the gaffer.
McLaughlin told the Paisley Daily Express: “It was a very tough game and the nature of cup football you never know what to expect.
“A clinical first half from us saw us take the game by the scruff of the neck with the boys performing well.
“To get into the next round of the cup is very pleasing and the work the squad have put in to get to this stage is what they deserve.
“For us to go down to their ground and win is also brilliant as it can be a hard place to go, something we have seen when we have played them before”
Goals from Lewis Steele, Aidan McLaughlin and a double from Cameron Armstrong saw Thorn book their place in the semi-final, where they will take on Whitletts Victoria.
This sets up a potential all-Renfrewshire showdown in the final, with in-form Renfrew taking on St Cadoc’s in the other semi.
Ex-St Mirren defender McLaughlin is excited at the prospect of a potential all-Renfrewshire tilt for the trophy, however, he knows there is still an all-important game to be played before the team can even think about that situation materialising.
He said: “Whitletts is going to be a very tough game for us as there are no easy teams left at this stage.
“We know that they are a good outfit in the first division.
“We are the only [West of Scotland League] fourth division side left in the tournament, with Renfrew looking like they are going to get promoted to there from the second division and the other teams are already in the first division.
“So, we know what we are up against, but we are excited at the prospect of what lies at the end of the journey.
“If an all-Renfrewshire final does happen, it wouldn’t just be good for the clubs, but the whole place as it is a big occasion for everyone with a club getting a trophy at the end of it.
“First, we need to focus on making sure that we prepare properly for the semi-final.”
Thorn Athletic are back on league duty on Saturday as they face Harmony Row.
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