Irons saw his side lose four goals at Fir Park

"It was a marvellous occasion for the club," he told BBC Sport. "But the harsh reality is that we didn't take our chances when they came along.

"The players are despondent because they have competed for most of the game but were let down in the vital areas.

"We will strive to teach them how to deal with better players because they haven't been at this level before."

Gretna started well and could have gone ahead when Colin McMenamin was one-on-one with the Falkirk goalkeeper.

"I have been speaking to the players for weeks and weeks about the step up to this level," Irons added.

"And at the back, we didn't do enough to deal with Falkirk, especially for the first two goals.

"The potential is there but today we have been dealt a harsh lesson."

Former manager Rowan Alexander caused a stir prior to kick off when he was turned away from Fir Park.

Alexander's future at the club has not been resolved since the decision to replace him with Irons was made.

However, skipper Chris Innes was not at all sympathetic.

He said: "Well, looking at that, I don't think that's the actions of a sane man, coming to an SPL team at two o'clock in the biggest game of their career and trying to do what?

"I think that's him trying to get a bit of attention for himself.

"David is taking the team now and that is it, he has been taking pre-season, bringing players in and taking training so he is the manager.

"I would advise him (Rowan) on my behalf to stay well away from the club because at this time we don't need these distractions.