Shotts 2 Kilbirnie 1: McKeown hails resilience of young side in comeback win

Shotts boss John McKeown was pleased to learn his new-look, young squad have a resilience about them – after they came from behind to start the West of Scotland First Division campaign with a win.

A summer overhaul at Hannah Park has seen new arrivals hit double figures and McKeown admits he wondered how his youthful side would adapt to the demands of the division.

So he has been encouraged by the displays from a host of debutants during Saturday’s 2-1 victory at home to Kilbirnie Ladeside.

Shotts trailed at half-time after a Kilbirnie trialist fired the visitors in front approaching the interval. But after the break, a strike from new boy Harry Kent and a penalty from Shotts stalwart Ally Martin turned the game around.

Delighted McKeown said: “It was a great win for us against one of the bigger clubs in the league. Every club in this league is a big club with a big budget compared to us, so I was really proud of our young team. They were excellent.

“We fell behind against the run of play. I felt we dominated the first half hour or so and then the game became a bit scrappy. I think they scored with their first real effort.

“There was a wee bit of fortune about it with the ball breaking to them in the middle of the park but our defensive shape for it wasn’t great. Their boy took the goal really well, it was an excellent finish.

“Throughout pre-season we hadn’t fallen behind or been up against it, so at half-time we spoke about showing a bit of character and resilience and that’s what they did.

“Having so many new players in the squad you wonder how they are going to react, but they were excellent.

“We really pressed Kilbirnie in the second half and deservedly won the game.”

He added: “It was good to see Harry get his