Precious points lost in draw with Kello

Glencairn let another two precious points slip in the promotion race as they drew 2-2 away to Kello Rovers at Nithside Park.

With the playing squad stretched to the limit by injuries and holidays for this trip down into Dumfries and Galloway, there was only one change to the starting line-up from Wednesday night’s defeat at Cumbernauld United.

Del McNab was restored to the team for Stewart Hall.

Kello took the lead in the ninth minute from their first proper chance.

A long throw was flicked on into the path of Graeme Ramage with his back to goal and he swivelled to fire into the net from six yards out.

Glencairn pulled level on the half hour mark. A ball over the top saw Gary Smith hold off two markers before scoring. On 56 minutes the home side edged in front again as they capitalised on some defensive slackness.

Ramage’s dipping free kick was saved on the line by Jack Baker, but he couldn’t hold the ball, leaving Martin Bell free to run in unchallenged to fire in the rebound.

The equaliser arrived when Smith again got in behind the defence and headed for goal, the keeper parried the initial effort but Smith was sharp to react to get off the floor and roll the ball into the net.

McCall missed an open goal from 12 yards before there was almost disaster at the other end.

Baker’s quick throw-out hit the back of Rhys Donaldson’s head and into the path of David Frew, who dribbled past Donaldson but over-ran the ball allowing Baker to make a recovery save.