Former Dundee United hero stings Shotts with late leveller in opener with Glenafton

Daily Record

4 days ago

John McKeown was left cursing the quality of Chris Erskine as his side almost walked away with a win
Former Dundee United hero Chris Erskine came back to haunt Shotts boss John McKeown on Saturday, but he felt a draw was fair against Glenafton Athletic.
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Taylor Evans had the hosts ahead 19 minutes into their West of Scotland Premier Division curtain-raiser, but Erskine climbed off the bench to net a screamer with three minutes left and take a share of the spoils.
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At 38, McKeown says Erskine is still a cut above the rest.
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He said: 'I think a point is a fair reflection, and the difference was them bring on a real bit of quality in Chris Erskine, who did it last year against us as well.
'He came on and scored the winner in the league game away to Glenafton last season, and in the home game we were in the lead and he set up the equaliser.
'On Saturday he scored an absolute screamer, so you just have to tip your hat to that, and say it's a guy who has been at the top level, playing in the Premier League.
'Without being disrespectful to our boys, he's just that wee bit of class above, and he's probably a class above most players in that league, despite his age.
'He's looked after himself and he's a phenomenal player. His goal was an absolute screamer, and he's probably the only player on the park that could have done that.
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'It was probably a fair outcome if I'm being honest. We started the game a little bit better than them, got our noses in front, but there wasn't a lot in it at half-time, there weren't a great deal of chances.
'We did look dangerous when we were loading their box with set-pieces and stuff, but a typical nervy first game back, and both teams probably had a couple of players missing due to holidays, and injuries.
'But in the second half Glenafton probably controlled the game, and although the equaliser was late on in the game, if I'm honest it was coming.'
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McKeown was glad to get back to competitive games, as they prepare to host a Largs Thistle side on Saturday that he feels will be challenging for honours.
'It was good to get back, and it did come a wee bit early for us, because we've had a wee bit of a rebuild job to do,' said McKeown.
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'But some of the new boys showed up well. Marc McKenzie was fantastic, our goalkeeper Chris Henry had a good game, young Codi Stark, who's on loan from Livingston was excellent, and Dylan McGuigan was good.
'We were bedding in four or five new players, which is never easy, and I felt we did okay, but we've got miles to go.
'I think Glenafton and Largs are two teams that will be up there in the top half of the table, I have no doubt about that, so it's a decent enough start.
'But Largs lost to Cumnock on Saturday, so they'll be looking to get themselves off the mark.
'We just need to look after ourselves, and hopefully the boys are a bit closer, in terms of match-fitness, and getting to know one another, probably more importantly!
'Last year we were maybe four or five games in before we got our first point, so it's a better start. We have a whole new squad, and it's going to take a wee bit of time, but I saw a lot of positives on Saturday.'