Bon Accord's well earned point comes at a price

Oct 6 2011 by David Bell, Hamilton Advertiser

SHOTTS Bon Accord soared into fifth place in the Super League First Division after holding second-top Glenafton Athletic to a 1-1 draw.

But they were dealt a blow ahead of a demanding double-header when scorer Murray Watson was helped off with a broken nose after being caught by a Glenafton elbow, and he joins defender Bryan Wharton and striker Stefan McCluskey in the treatment room.

On Saturday, Shotts entertain a Rutherglen Glencairn side who were playing Super Premier League football last season.

Then on Monday night they make a second attempt to play Petershill in the Sectional League Cup final after the Maryhill pitch was waterlogged earlier this week.

That will be the cup-holders’ fourth Sectional League Cup final in as many years and their fourth showpiece occasion in the last 12 months.

Manager Tony McInally said: “I was really pleased with the way we played at Glenafton but the players were gutted – we thought we deserved the three points.

“On the downside Murray Watson was struck by a Glenafton elbow, yet the offending player wasn’t even booked.

“Paul Burns, with his experience, should have known better when he was shown two yellow cards within a three-minute spell, leaving us to play out the last half-hour with 10 men.

“Murray will have his nose re-set, Bryan is touch-and-go, but Stefan looks like he could be okay for Saturday.”

Lanark United ended a dismal run of three defeats on the bounce with a2-0 win over Dalry Thistle to haul themselves three places clear of the Super First Division relegation zone.

Alan McFadden scored both goals, the opener midway through the first half and the second 15 minutes from time.

Secretary Tam Anderson said: “We played quite well and I thought we controlled most of the game – it was good to get a win under our belts.”

Lanark fielded midfielder Gary Gow after signing him from Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.