PROUD Maybole boss Carlo Walker saluted his players as they finished fifth in the Super First Division, despite losing out to the promotion-chasers in their final match.

PROUD Maybole boss Carlo Walker saluted his players as they finished fifth in the Super First Division, despite losing out to the promotion-chasers in their final match.

It brought to an end what has been a testing season, following the tragic death of striker Stuart McGrady earlier this year.

Walker said: “To finish fifth in the league has been remarkable. It has been very difficult for the players after Stuart died and we have brought in counsellors to help them.

“We have had some good results, winning away to Cumbernauld and Rutherglen. We were also the last team to beat Largs.

Back to Saturday’s game and Maybole had seven players missing through work injury and personal commitments. Rob Roy led 3-0 at half-time.

However the visitors were denied what looked a clearcut penalty on the hour when a home defender used both hands to save an Andy Stevenson cross on the line.

Rabs scored late on to seal the win.

l A special posthumous Manager’s Award in memory of Stuart McGrady was handed over to his family at the Player of the Year Awards Night at Hollybush House on Saturday.

Andy Stevenson was Players’ Player of the Year and Top Goalscorer, while Scott Johnstone won the Player of the Year accolade.