Gretna manager Rowan Alexander at Hampden Park

"It was an incredible match, he told BBC Sport. "The boys did us proud and deserve all the plaudits.

"I really thought it was going to be our day with the way the game was going but the players gave it everything they had and that's all you can ask for.

"I'm just so proud. Collective spirit and friendship is what we are all about and I think we all saw that."

Interviews: Gretna's Alan Main and boss Rowan Alexander

Gretna goalkeeper Alan Main did not have a chance with any of the four spot-kicks Hearts tucked away in the shoot-out after the game ended 1-1.

And the 38-year-old was also not too downhearted after coming so close to a major upset.

"It was an unbelievable experience and a special day for the club," Main told BBC Sport.

"We contributed to a great game. It's disappointing but what a season we've had."

Gretna owner Brooks Mileson, who has financed the Raydale Park side's incredible rise to prominence, applauded his players after the final.

"It's an emotional time for me and I'm so proud of the players," he said.

"It was a great game but what a terrible way to lose a final.

"I knew we could play as well as we could, especially in the second half.

"It was a fantastic achievement to take them all the way to penalties, we certainly gave them a game."