GLENAFTON Athletic boss Paul Paton says he had an immense feeling of pride after his players battled to the end to claim a point against Troon FC.
The West of Scotland Football League Premier Division clash at Loch Park was full of last minute drama on Saturday, November 9.
Glenafton trailed at the break before Michael Mullin dragged the New Cumnock side level just after the hour mark.
The game really came to life in the 90th minute when Glens were reduced to ten as the South Ayrshire side were awarded a free kick - which was duly converted by Callan Veitch.
The goal looked to secure all three points for the Seasiders - before Hugh Kerr headed home in the sixth minute of additional time.
“I’m absolutely delighted," Paton told Glenafton TV, "going down to ten men and conceding from the free kick it seemed like we were going to get nothing from the game.
“Then big Shug does what he does and scores a big goal in the last minute.
“The biggest thing for me wasn’t the way the boys played on the ball – it was their fight and character.
“People questioned that before I came in but they gave me everything – I’m so proud to be their manager.
“You seen a team on that park that is really fighting for each other and us – we’ve got their back and they have ours.”
The Loch Park boss has also been delighted by the progress his side are showing in a consistent basis since he took over the hotseat in September.
He added: “It’s now looking a bit more like a team that represents me as a manager.
“They are fit, fighting and playing some good football to the end of games and giving nothing up.
“If you look back to when we got beat of Shotts in the cup to now, there is certainly a big difference there and I’m loving every minute.
“I was a bit nervous when I first came in but now we’ve really got a team that I’m delighted with.”
However, the Loch Park boss knows there is still plenty for his side to work on moving forward.
Paton continued: “On the whole we managed to deal with them quite well but it’s a couple of mistakes for their goals and that’s something we need to cut out as a team.
“We are conceding far too many goals that are mistakes, they are not cutting us open – we need to iron those out if we want to progress.
“We’re going the right direction, that’s a couple of games unbeaten in the league now.
“I know it’s nothing to shout about but it’s certainly an improvement and we all know that we are heading in one way and that’s the right direction.”
Glenafton have no fixture to contend with this weekend, and will return to action on Saturday, November 23 when they travel to face Gartcairn in the league - with kick off at 2pm.
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