But his side’s routing of Gala Fairydean Rovers did bring a smile back to his face.

The Raydale club were denied a historic replay at Lesser Hampden by a 93rd minute deflected strike.

Yesterday they bounced back with goals from new signing Scott Milligan and Conor Graham in the first half before David Reynard fired home a third on the hour and Brandon Longcake made it four with some individual brilliance.

Manager Rome said: “Last weekend was a massive disappointment as we had played really well.

“I’m pleased with the way we bounced back today. That was an excellent performance – especially in the second half.

“Now that we are out of the Scottish Cup we will concentrate on getting as high as we can in the Lowland League.” The 4-0 victory maintains Gretna in seventh place.

Leaders Edinburgh City extended their lead to eight points after returning from bottom side Threave Rovers with a 3-0 win, thanks to a Dougie Gair penalty and strikes from Ian McFarland and Mark Osborne.

In the day’s early kick off on-loan Morton striker Aiden Ferris scored twice for BSC Glasgow as they shared the points in an eight goal thriller with Dalbeattie Star. Chris McDougall and Tony Wallace were also on target for Ian King’s team.

Graeme Bell snatched a hat-trick for Star after John Warren had scored early.

Shelly Kerr’s Stirling University won their sixth game on the bounce after coming from behind at Forthbank.

Aaron Somerville had given Whitehill Welfare a first half lead before goals from Chris Geddes and Jeff Kessie responded for the Students.

Edinburgh University moved away from the relegation zone with a 3-1 victory over Vale of Leithen.

Duncan Black’s first half header was added to by Jack Guthrie and Ross Patterson with Jason Stevens on target for the visitors.