Shotts Bon Accord boss John McKeown says reaching the quarter-finals of the Scottish Junior Cup will provide a much-needed financial boost to the club in hard times.
There were jubilant scenes at Hannah Park on Saturday as the West of Scotland First Division side defeated Premier Division side Arthurlie 5-4 on penalties, having come from 2-0 down to draw in the 90 minutes.
And youngsters from the club's academy even joined in the celebrations at full-time as the players partied on the pitch.
They can now look forward to a last eight tie away to Dundee East Craigie in February next year and boss McKeown says it provides a massive boost.
He said: "It was excellent and it was great to see the players throwing the kids from the academy teams up in the air during the celebrations.
"This is massive for the club financially. We are really struggling right now after Covid, as most clubs are, so this will help raise the profile and interest in the club.
"We split the gate in cup ties so it brings good income and it's good for our sponsors, Clearwater, as well. Hopefully when we have days like this it encourages sponsors to come on board again.
"I'm just absolutely delighted we are in the next round."
Shotts had to do it the hard way as they found themselves 2-0 down at the interval after Gary Smith bagged a brace for the visitors.
Following some stern words from McKeown, Shotts rallied to net through Danny Hashim and they equalised four minutes from time when Kyle Richford's long throw deflected into the net off a defender.
In the shootout, Shotts keeper Jonny Murdoch saved Arthurlie's first spot-kick and the hosts went on to hit five perfect penalties to progress.
McKeown added: "It was the old cliche of a game of two halves.
"I felt in the first half we were terrible to be honest. We hadn't played for three weeks and that was maybe part of it.
"We looked a bit like rabbits in headlights at times and we gave Arthurlie too much respect. We didn't get near them and they scored two great goals from their point of view.
"They've got the boy Aaron Healy who signed from Queen's Park and he tore us apart at times.
"But we had a go at them at half-time and in the second half they really raised their game and we felt there was only really one team in the second half.
"We bombarded them with set-pieces and it was two set-pieces we got the goals from, so that move paid off.
"But anything can happen when it comes down to the lottery of penalties and we came through it again.
"We hadn't practiced penalties but the boys are really confident and we know we've got a good goalkeeper in Jonny Murdoch. He made a great save for Arthurlie's first penalty and that gave us a real boost."
On their quarter-final with Dundee East Craig, McKeown said: "It's a wee away trip now. There is a bit of a wait and I was a bit surprised when I saw the date for it, but it keeps everyone around the club on their toes now.
"Our form is incredible right now so there's a good feeling around the club right now."
Shotts are in cup action again this weekend when they travel to Beith in the West of Scotland League Cup.
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
