Red-hot favourites Linlithgow Rose didn’t wilt in the Rugby Park heat as they deservedly beat Largs Thistle and capture the Junior Cup.
It is the West Lothian club’s fourth Scottish success, while boss Dave Baikie in his first season with the club completes a managerial hat-trick following two triumphs with Tayport.
Although he has been over the course before, the Dundonian relished the occasion.
He said, “It’s not the same as winning it for the first time 14 years ago that was special but being the first time for a new club gives you a different sort of buzz.
“I thought we were worthy winners with their keeper pulling off several good saves.”
Man-of-the-match Kevin Donnelly was the Prestonfield hero, scoring a goal fit to win any game early in the second half.
Underdogs Largs made the better start, going close after only two minutes. Former Lochee United defender Gary Davidson’s free-kick eventually landed at the feet of Eddie Walton, but he snatched at his shot and the ball drifted wide.
Only a tremendous double save by Thistle keeper Stephen Connick prevented Linlithgow from taking the lead. Gordon Herd won possession just inside the six-yard box and fired in a shot which Connick kept out with his legs.
The rebound fell to Tommy Coyne who looked certain to score, but the keeper incredibly stuck up an arm to tip his first-time effort over.
Ten minutes from the break, it was Coyne who again threatened after a surging run by Gary Livingstone, but Connick blocked his angled effort.
But a minute later it was Connick’s opposite number Steven Pinkowski who was busy for the first time as he touched an Andrew Monaghan 25-yarder round the post for a corner.
Eight minutes into the second half, the Largs keeper was beaten. Thistle’s defence failed to clear and the ball bounced about until Donnelly’s dipping drive from 25 yards soared over Connick.
The goal signalled end-to-end stuff as Connick fisted away an inswinging Stuart McArthur corner.
Then Ryan Deas made a surging run before firing a low shot which Pinkowski flicked away to his right.
Rose sub Stephen Manson was sent off for a dangerous lunging challenge on Largs skipper Ross McWilliams.
But even down to 10 men Rose’s greater experience of these occasions six were winners three years ago showed as they counted down the clock without trace of a scare.
Indeed deep in stoppage time only a tremendous Connick save from Coyne prevented a second Rose goal.
Attendance: 5788.