Shotts boss admits key Kilwinning Rangers sub was difference as his side fell to defeat

Shotts boss John McKeown admits his ring-rusty side were undone by Kilwinning Rangers substitute Gavin Millar, as they opened 2024 with a last-gasp defeat.

The Bonny had taken the lead against their visitors after Danny Burns’ stunning strike into the top corner in 34 minutes.

But the Buffs’ introduction of midfielder Millar midway through the second half proved the turning point.

He bagged an equaliser in 68 minutes with a cheeky lob and then won the stoppage time penalty which Graham Boyd converted to consign Shotts to a third league defeat on the bounce.

The result leaves McKeown’s men ninth in the West of Scotland First Division, with several games in hand due to postponements and cup commitments in recent months.

And he said: “It was a sore one.

“It was a game of two halves. We dominated the first half and had them hemmed in. We scored a wonderful goal through Danny Burns, right into the top corner from 20 yards.

“Their keeper also made a good save from Danny and Ben Richford went in one-one-one, so we had big chances to add to our lead.

“At half-time we spoke about trying to start strong and kill the game off.

“We’ve gone and missed another two one-on-ones, which you can’t do against good sides, so it is a case of us ruing missed chances.

“Kilwinning built their way back into the game in the last 35 minutes and dominated from there.

“They brought the boy Gavin Millar on and he was different class.

“He caused us all sorts of problems and got the equaliser as well as winning the penalty that won it for them.

“We look tired. Kilwinning have played a few more games than us over the last couple of months and I felt we looked a ring rusty side out there.

“It is not an excuse because we should have won the game with the