KENNY DEUCHAR'S CUP DIARY

LET me get one thing straight. We didn't lose the game on Saturday and we're undefeated during normal play in the Scottish Cup this season.

Maybe I'm kidding myself but if it helps ease the pain at failing to get our hands on the trophy that is what I will continue to think.

The cure for how I'm feeling has yet to be discovered. Like many before me, a Scottish Cup Final loser's medal doesn't come close to a consolation for either myself or my team-mates.

We believed we could pull off a shock at Hampden and all that stood between us and the perfect fairytale end to our season was 12 yards.

Most educated observers had us written off but we proved more than a few of our doubters wrong by taking the game to what is effectively a lottery.

It was a great achievement for every single player and a sad way to lose, especially for the lads who missed the penalties.

I've done it myself, albeit not in front of 60,000 and millions watching on TV. It was during a cup final with my school team when I was 15 but I know how they feel. I was gutted for Gavin Skelton who was the best player on the park by a mile - but I know he'll get over it.

It wasn't a day to have any regrets as I've achieved something nobody will ever take away from me and that is to play in a game of such importance. I just wish I could have played better.

When the boss Rowan Alexander gathered us round for a pep talk at the start of extra time he told us we had been brilliant and we had Hearts on the rack.

We were convinced we could do it and we were gaining in confidence as the match progressed. But I was to limp off before the shoot-out.

I had nothing left and my groin started to cramp up so after a quick diagnosis I made way for fresher legs.

There was a subdued atmosphere after the game which was understandable but we headed into Glasgow for a night out.

I stayed with the boys for about 45 minutes before making my way to meet pals in Stirling.

The players I've known for a few seasons but I wanted to spend time with pals who have been there for me for years.

They are the guys who I turned to when I had problems and was out injured so it was fitting I was with them to drown my sorrows after the Cup Final.

One of them is Grant Hendry and he's demanded I give him a name check because he claims he's the only one who hasn't been mentioned in my Diary.

This season has been a remarkable adventure and something which has been a privilege to be a part of so we should look at the bigger picture.

It didn't just come down to one game at Hampden as we've much to look forward to next season. One thing which will stay with me forever was a moment which occurred in the Hampden dressing room as we all sat in silence.

Brooks Mileson made his way downstairs and entered the room. It was highly emotional.

He could hardly speak but as I sat there everyone was getting choked up and the feeling of togetherness among everyone in the dressing room was incredible. What we had achieved began to sink in and maybe that's more priceless than a winner's medal.

Hearts are a good side and we always felt it was going to be a match where we had to take any chances which came our way.

One header was as close as I came to landing the new Jaguar but it was never about the car, it was about the dream.

Taken from the Daily Record