Hero-turnedvillain Miller ‘gutted’ by miss

EAST KILBRIDE 0 COWDENBEATH 0

Cowdenbeath midfielder Kyle Miller was a hero and then a villain as the Blue Brazil played out a goalless draw with Lowland League Champions East Kilbride in the first leg of the Pyramid Play-off Final.

Miller saved his side going behind in the first half but when presented with the opportunity to fire the Fifers in front with a last-gasp penalty he saw his effort saved by the hosts’ Matthew McGinley.

Miller said: “I am gutted, absolutely gutted. I had the chance to put us ahead but it is not the end of the world as we have the chance to win it next weekend. We should beat them back at our place but to have the chance to win it right at the very end and not do it is annoying. You should be scoring penalties every time. I do not feel great but have to go again next week.”

After a cagey first quarter East Kilbride were on top and looked set to take the lead when Joao Victoria sent Sean Winter clear eight minutes from the break. Cowdenbeath goalkeeper Jamie Sneddon stuck out a hand to save Winter’s shot, though it was set to cross the line until Miller intervened to clear.

East Kilbride’s former senior star Adam Strachan looked to have won his side a penalty on 64 minutes after a challenge from Jamie Pyper but he was booked for simulation by referee Gavin Duncan.

Victoria then headed against the bar with Duncan awarding a penalty for a Fabio Capuano handball that was spotted by an assistant three minutes from time.

Miller added: “I would not say it was my fault that we drew but right now I am feeling that it is. I will be going out next week to ensure that there is no chance of us losing this tie.”

“Being so long at the club where we are now is hurting me a bit more than everyone else. I have played up in the Championship and it hurts to even be in this play-off.”

A dejected Cowden boss Gary Locke after the final whistle.