Cumbernauld Colts ace frustrated by Albion Rovers draw as he relishes East Kilbride top-of-the-table test

Cumbernauld Colts midfielder Craig Holmes insists being held to a draw by Albion Rovers with 10 men was hard to take, but admits it is a game his side would probably have lost last season.

Holmes scored from the penalty spot midway through the first half to put Colts in control at Broadwood, but after not taking chances to increase their lead, Rovers got a fortunate equaliser when Niyah Joseph's strike took a wicked deflection on its way into the net.

The hosts then found themselves down to 10 men for the final 10 minutes when Cameron Dickison saw red and managed to hold out for the point.

There was a sense of frustration at not taking all three points and slipping two points behind leaders East Kilbride, but Holmes looked for the positives after his side made it six-games unbeaten in all competitions.

He said: "I think in the first half we were really good and the better team.

"In the second half, they changed their shape and came into it more but I still think we created more chances.

"It is a frustrating one coming away with a 1-1 draw but when you play the last 10 minutes with 10 men, a point is not a bad result.

"It is a deflected shot they score with and that is hard to take, but that is football.

"In times gone by in previous seasons, we'd probably have lost that game so that is a positive but it is frustrating when you think back on the game.

"We are up the park with a good opportunity - and Luke McCowan has actually done well to stay in his feet in the box just before it - but we don't take it and then they go down the pitch and score.

"There were plenty of opportunities to get a second goal but it wasn't to be."

A trip to leaders East Kilbride now beckons on Saturday. Colts have played three games more than EK