Willie relieved with win
Glencairn manager Willie Harvey admitted he was a relived man to see his side come away from relegationhaunted Irvine Victoria with all three points.
The win, which came courtesy of a Jay McKay goal, keeps Glens hopes of automatic promotion very much alive and lifted them to second in the league.
Glens have often struggled against teams perceived as being weaker but they turned out a professional job to return to Ayrshire with the win.
Harvey said:“It was a relief but I never felt we were under any real pressure. Our goalkeeper didn’t have a save of note to make.
“At 1-0 it is always squeaky bum time, anything can happen. All it takes is a penalty or a ball into the box that isn’t dealt with. But we played well and created a number of chances. If we win our last three games 1-0 then we will have done our job.”
Glens remarkable season could yet have a glorious finish if they beat Maryhill tonight (Wednesday), Irvine Meadow on Saturday and then Cumbernauld.
If that happens, they will move on to 49 points but with seven teams involved in the battle for promotion that may not be enough to go up.
For now, the mathematics will be put to one side as Glens concentrate on setting a target – and Harvey hopes their chances have not already been scuppered by early-season form.
“The teams with five games to play will need to win four of them while teams with six to play will need to win five. The big problem is it is not in our hands.
“It would have been if we had beaten Shettleson a few weeks ago. We could have reached 52 points.
“This is where the draws are coming back to bite us.
“We should have had this league done and dusted but we are still in it and that says a lot about the lads.
“We just need to keep doing what we are doing.
“Last week we spoke to the guys and told them they had five cup finals left, well that’s them won two of them.
“Maryhill will be a hard game, they are on a good run and are fighting for their lives. But we will go there with the right attitude.”