Mark Millar scored a sure-fire goal of the season contender as Kilwinning Rangers beat Musselburgh Athletic 3-2 on Saturday to claim a place in the fourth round of the South Challenge Cup.
The 34-year-old went viral on social media after he smashed a 35-yard free kick into the top corner to put the Buffs 2-1 in front in a cup tie that was far more comfortable for the hosts than the scoreline suggests.
A video clip of the wonder strike has amassed almost 140,000 views since it was posted on the club’s Twitter page on Saturday night.
But boss David Gormley revealed how he’s had to badger veteran Millar to put himself at the front of the queue at set-pieces.
He said: “He does it in training and we’ve been saying to him to get in on the act in games.
“Last week, we had a free kick in a good position against Arthurlie and he gave it to someone else!
“You saw how sweet he struck the ball. It was still rising when it hit the net - it might’ve ended up in Killie!”
Former Dundee Utd and Falkirk ace Millar’s moment of magic might have been the headline grabber but this was a solid team performance from Gormley’s side.
They stormed in front with just nine minutes gone, Dylan Mackin netting from the spot after Millar was fouled in the box.
Musselburgh were on the back foot but a lapse in concentration in the home defence gifted them an equaliser in 22 minutes.
A hopeful punt up the park by The Burgh goalkeeper caught the Buffs back line on the hop and Nathan Evans nipped in to send a cool lob over the onrushing home goalie Craig Gordon.
Matty Knox was presented with a similar chance when Millar and Gordon got in a tangle on the edge of their own penalty area but his attempted chip drifted wide of the target.
With half-time approaching, Millar produced the goods to restore Kilwinning’s lead but it was still all to play for in the second half.
Buffs came flying out the traps at the restart, Collins going close with a snap shot from 18 yards before Mackin showed superb control to take down a long ball only to swivel and blaze an effort over the bar.
Kilwinning eventually got the third goal their play deserved in the 66th minute when Ben Lewis stroked home Gavin Millar’s drilled cross from the left.
They were made to sweat however when Evans scored his second goal of the afternoon – a nice turn and finish from 20 yards – to reduce the deficit once more.
A straight red card for young Buffs substitute Max Conway for a forceful challenge near the half-way line in 82 minutes encouraged Musselburgh to throw caution to the wind.
Their keeper came up for a late corner kick in a desperate attempt to salvage an equaliser but Buffs held on to set up a fourth round tie at home to Lothian Hutchison Vale.
Delighted Gormley added: “I was really pleased with the performance. I said to the boys before the game not to underestimate Musselburgh.
“They are a good side and for me it was like taking on a Meadow, a Hurlford or a Cumnock.
“I don’t mean to sound disrespectful but I thought we were always in control.
“We were the aggressor and the team trying to force the issue. That was something we asked the players to do.
“The red card was just a rush of blood to the head from a young lad keen to impress.
“Sometimes when you go to ground you give the referee a decision to make.
“Max was a bit upset but the senior players were quick to rally round him.”
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