Glenafton Athletic 2 Irvine Meadow 1
Mark Roberts last night insisted Glenafton Athletic are looking up after easing their fears of going down with a valuable victory.
Goals from Jamie McKernon and Oliver Rowe clinched a priceless three points for Glens at Loch Park with Callum Graham on target for visitors Irvine Meadow.
The equation is now simple for Glenafton – four points from their last two games against Blantyre Vics and Cumbernauld United will keep them in the West of Scotland League Premier Division outright.
And assistant manager Roberts says Glens will be going all-out to finish a draining campaign in style.
He told Ayrshire Football News: "I thought we thoroughly deserved it over the course of the 95 minutes or whatever it was the referee played.
"I think a couple of decisions went against us and we should have definitely had a penalty in the first half. But we should have had the game wrapped up, we missed too many chances.
"Another four points guarantees it for us so a win and a draw from our last two games – but we're looking to get six points and could finish in the top 10 and go above the likes of Troon and Beith.
"But it's the old cliche; we're taking it one game at a time which is what we've been doing the last few weeks and now we'll focus on Blantyre."
McKernon opened the scoring for Glens in the 17th minute with a stunning long-range free-kick before Rowe spurned two good opportunities to increase the lead.
And those misses would prove costly before the break as Medda levelled. Jared Willet's free-kick eventually found its way to Connor Boyd whose header was cleared against the bar with Graham on hand to bundle home.
Glens restored their advantage in the 52nd minute with what proved to be the winner. Rowe slammed the ball into the net from close range after a McKernon corner was directed goalwards.
The visitors huffed and puffed but Glens were able to see out time and the roar of the Afton Army at the end told you all you needed to know about the importance of this triumph.
That's a wrap for Medda and co-boss Colin Spence told Ayrshire Football News: "We're really disappointed to finish with a defeat. The boys have worked hard and I thought the game was there for us.
"It's a foul for their second goal – the boy's pushed big Callum Graham. It's a blatant two-hand push and that's what really frustrates managers as it's clear for everybody to see.
"So I'm going away with a wee bit of a bitter taste in my mouth. If you get beat fair and square then you hold your hands up but for the game to be decided on a poor refereeing decision, which gives them a goal, is disappointing.
"After that, we got very scrappy. We went long and hopeful and tried to be direct which isn't us. It's a lottery when you start launching the ball up the park. My biggest disappointment is we didn't really create anything."
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