Blantyre Vics boss John Gibson has dismissed any notion the new West of Scotland League will be a season of friendlies after Hurlford staged a late fightback to grab a draw on Saturday.
The Vics, who switched the clash to Hurlford's Blair Park due to drainage issues at Castle Park, let a 2-0 lead slip in the final five minutes and although Gibson was gutted with the result, he was pleased with the overall display.
And he said their clash in Ayrshire showed there's plenty at stake in the Premier Division.
Gibson said: "I know people are saying it's a season full of friendlies, but I said this to the players before Saturday, there's three points up for grabs.
"And our game showed there was three points up for grabs.
"There was no quarter given and some of the tackles were flying in so, trust me, these are not friendlies.
"Players are wanting to play and get three points.
"So it's disappointing for us to drop two points at the end like that."
Sam McKenzie fired Vics in front after 20 minutes with a curling strike and Gavin Millar doubled the advantage after 64 minutes with a great strike inside the box.
However, Hurlford hauled their way back into it in 85 minutes when a defensive lapse allowed Paul McKenzie to score.
And in stoppage time Mick Wardrope snatched a point from a corner.
Gibson added: "We played well throughout and we were a wee bit unfortunate.
"We made a wee mistake and allowed them back in it and then they've scored in the last minute with a well-worked corner and we've switched off.
"It's our first season up in this league and the management team were happy with the performance, the players were happy and even Darren [Henderson, the Hurlford boss] said they didn't deserve to take anything from the game.
"Until we made the wee mistake, we didn't look like we were going to lose anything.
"When somebody scores with a few minutes to go, they get their tails up and hit you with everything, which they did.
"Some of our play was good and the goals were good as well.
"I thought we gave a good account of ourselves, which is what we are trying to do this year.
"It gives us encouragement going forward. You could see Hurlford are a good side and they've got plenty of experience in the top league, but two lose two late goals is disappointing."
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