Irons questions players belief after 2-0 defeat at Elgin City

The Warriors conceded two first half goal five minutes apart to Kane Hester and Brian Cameron before half time as the home side held on to take the three points at Borough Briggs.

"It was a disappointing afternoon and the players didn’t perform anywhere near the level we expect of them,” said Irons.

"We had to contend with a few issues, our two centre halves collided and then Creag Little had to be carried off and we had to re adjust then we lost the goals quickly after that.

"You need to go to these places and expect to get something, I asked the players after the game if they expected to get anything because if they did then they needed to put more in.

"I don't like being critical of my players but on Saturday none of them stood up to be counted and we need to make sure it doesn't happen again.”

Stenny also finished the game with ten men as Josh Grigor saw red in injury time but Irons expects to challenge that ruling.

"Josh slips as he goes into the tackle and collides with their player, it was a complete accident but the ref said it was reckless, there was no intention he just slipped so it was bizarre.

"Once we see it back I'll see if it's worth contesting it but at the time I felt it was very harsh.”

Now attentions turn to the Scottish Cup on Boxing Day as Stenny host Preston Athletic at Ochilview in the First Round.

"We'll give them every respect they deserve,” said Irons.

"We will be expected to win and the players have to deal with that expectation, they will be really up for it and it should be an interesting game.

"On paper we should come out on top but we're all aware that doesn't always happen.”

Meanwhile, there is one good omen going in to the match for the Warriors, as back in 2006 Irons was the assistant manager at then Second Division Gretna as they famously made it to the Scottish Cup final.

The side they beat in the first round on route to Hampden that year? None other than Preston Athletic.