Benburb win is a huge step towards Premier Division safety for Shotts
Benburb win is a huge step towards Premier Division safety for Shotts
Boss John McKeown watched his side move three points clear of Bens
Shotts bagged a last-gasp goal to secure a vital win over Benburb that gives them a great chance of staying up
(Image: Gavin Campbell )
Shotts took a huge step towards safety with a dramatic late 3-2 win over fellow strugglers Benburb and boss John McKeown admitted watching his side recently has not been good for the old ticker.
The Bonny have been guilty of conceding late equalisers in three of their last four games, but struck in stoppage time themselves on Saturday through Taylor Evans to get what would prove to be the winner.
However, they still made their gaffer sweat on the victory, conceding in the 93rd minute to make for some nervy final seconds.
The victory, which was also aided by goals from Robbie Torrance and Ally Small, put Shotts three points clear of Bens in the last relegation slot, going into the final two games this week.
'We just like to keep things interesting and give me heart problems,' said McKeown. 'But I think it was a deserved three points. In the second half we were magnificent and their goalkeeper has made some fantastic saves to keep them in it.
McKeown (centre) was delighted with the win, but knows there is still a lot of work to be done
(Image: Gavin Campbell )
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'It would have been very harsh if we'd conceded again, but the boys were excellent and I am over the moon for them. Conceding late again was on my mind so there is no doubt it was on the players' minds as well. That's what happens in football, sometimes you can overthink things.
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'But over the piece we were great and we'll just concentrate on the positives. Our finishing was really good at the goals and I thought we looked a threat throughout the game.
'But I still think there is work to be done. Obviously that is Gartcairn and Darvel relegated, but us and Benburb are still alive.
'We've both got two massive cup finals to come now so we can't take anything for granted.'
Gartcairn hope to be celebrating as they host Auchinleck Talbot tonight (Wednesday) and Gartcairn on Saturday
(Image: Gavin Campbell )
Shotts have two bites at the cherry to get the win they need and have the added advantage of a vastly superior goal difference over Benburb, sitting 23 goals better off. They host Auchinleck Talbot tonight [Wednesday] at 7.15pm, before welcoming Gartcairn to Hannah Park on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.
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McKeown added: 'We just need to concentrate on ourselves and we know that one more win would be enough because of our goal difference, so we need to dig deep to get that win.
'That is six undefeated and that is very difficult in this league. We've had two wins from our last three so the form is good.'
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