Not even having a man sent off could stop St Cuthbert Wanderers pulling off their latest comeback on Saturday.
The Kirkcudbright side were already trailing Lochmaben, thanks to Benji Wagner’s free-kick, when they had skipper Ross Hunter sent off for a challenge on keeper Logan Galloway.
However, moments later Thomas Kelly headed Saints level before Mark O’Rourke put them in front.
And they could have recorded an even more convincing victory when they were given a penalty but Galloway saved both Scott Ballantyne’s spot-kick and the rebound.
Saints boss Jordan Williamson said: “It shows this team have a never say die attitude, whatever situation we’re in. We know we have it within us to turn games round.
“It’s a good test of character and shows good strength in the squad but it’s something we need to start to nip in the bud.
“We understood with Lochmaben’s results they were maybe in a false position in the league. We knew we were going to be up against it.
“Giving away such a free-kick and conceding from it was poor but the boys reacted quite well and created a couple of chances before the turn of events.
“I think it shows great character from every player that was involved to go a man down and be trailing in the game to have the resilience, attitude and desire to take the game to the opposition. They could have crumbled and gone into their shell. Every single one of them, to a man, stood up and was a credit.
“We played some good football and created good chances. From 2-1 the game could have gone more in our favour. Despite the numerical disadvantage we were still in the ascendancy. It was a hard day at the office but we’ll take it. It was three points and that’s the most important thing.”
The win means Saints are still seven points clear of nearest rivals Threave Rovers, who have three games in hand.
They look set to be without their captain for their upcoming games, although Williamson says an appeal could be made.
He explained: “I think Ross has been unlucky. The ball was there to be won by both players. Ross as a striker had every right to go for the ball and got there first.
“We’ve watched the footage back and the goalkeeper has caught his foot rather than the ball, which has taken his studs onto his chest.
“With the referee’s angle he has thought Ross has maliciously gone in the goalkeeper which wasn’t the case. We’ll double check the footage but we might be putting in an appeal and he’ll be available to play for the next couple of weeks.”
The league takes a back seat this weekend with Saints due to meet Nithsdale Wanderers in the Cree Lodge Cup, giving Williamson the chance to do some squad rotation.
He added: “We’ve said since the start of the season we understood the importance of the cup games to give everybody minutes and to make sure everybody is fresh and is playing their part for the team.
“We understand the importance of the cup in terms of wanting to progress but it’s also an opportunity to keep the squad fresh, keep rotating things and take our mind off the league with the pressure off.”
