Oakley United 0 Preston Athletic 1, East of Scotland League, First Division
PETER GOLDIE has described Oakley United's season as "frustrating" but one that has been a learning opportunity for everyone at the club.
The Blairwood Park outfit concluded their First Division with a narrow loss to Preston Athletic, for whom Robbie Walker struck the decisive goal in the 23rd minute.
A second successive relegation for the club was confirmed with three games to go, following a home defeat to Kirkcaldy and Dysart, after what has been a difficult campaign.
They ended with three wins from 28 games - a success against Rosyth, who folded during the season and their results were expunged, was declared void - picking up 13 points.
They scored 29 goals but conceded 80 and a lack of that cutting edge is something that boss Goldie believes has hindered his side's chances.
"Saturday was another frustrating day as we created so many chances again and couldn't score," he commented.
"We lose a scrappy goal against the run of play midway through the first half. Second half, we dominated possession, but couldn't really make it count.
"There were a few positives, with four of our under-20s getting a deserved run-out and doing well.
"It's been a frustrating season overall but another learning opportunity for all of us.
"We're off for four weeks now to recharge before returning for pre-season on June 18, when the hard work begins again."
Meanwhile, the club have announced that three of their players have signed contract extensions for next season.
Top goalscorer, Scott Bruce, as well as Shay Brough and 19-year-old goalkeeper, Josh Irvine, will remain at Blairwood Park for their Second Division campaign.
Haddington Athletic 4 Crossgates Primrose 0, League Cup, quarter-final
CROSSGATES PRIMROSE saw their hopes of a cup final evaporate on Saturday with a convincing defeat at Haddington.
Alan Campbell's team were hoping to end their season on a high following relegation from the Premier Division, but three goals in 13 second half minutes proved their undoing.
Gabri Auriemma's 14th minute effort separated the teams at the interval after a first half of few chances, but the visitors' challenge faded when Guy McGarry netted nine minutes into the second period.
Seamus Russell added a third before Robbie Peffers rounded off the scoring to seal Haddington's place in the last four.
"It was a bit of a strange game which epitomised our season to be honest," Campbell said.
"In the first half, we made a fist of it and it was a decent cup tie. There wasn't much between the teams, we had a couple of half chances and started the second half really well.
"We dominated the first 15 minutes and had them penned in. Jake Sutherland hit the post, we had a couple of other half chances and I thought 'This is good, we're reacting well'.
"Just as I was saying that, they scored on the counter-attack. As has happened before this season, it sapped the belief out of us.
"We went out with a bit of a whimper, which was disappointing."
Campbell is preparing to overhaul his Humbug Park squad for next season's First Division campaign, and he added: "The period in the second half where we conceded three goals summed things up.
"As soon as they were asked to fight their way out of a hole, the opposite happened.
"We've had six really good seasons in a row, but this one has been a bit of a setback."
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