Shotts boss John McKeown says his side deserved better than being held to a draw by high-flying Drumchapel United on Saturday.
United took the lead in 54 minutes, but Taylor Evans struck in 58 and 75 minutes to put Shotts into a shock lead, only for The Drummy to peg them back inside stoppage time.
McKeown reckons it was one of their best performances of the season, and Shotts were unlucky not to take the win.
But the West of Scotland Premier Division draw brings Shotts level on points with 15th-placed Gartcairn, and with three games in hand.
McKeown said: “Before the game I would probably have taken a point, but after it, I think about the chances we missed, and we could have taken three points on another day.
“I suppose they missed one or two opportunities as well. They’re a top side, with top players, most of whom have played at a really good level.
“But the boys were magnificent. It’s probably one of their best performances for a while, so I’m proud of them.
“The pleasing thing for me is that Drumchapel are definitely one of the top sides in the league and we more than matched them – we could have won the game on another day.
“Their goalkeeper was fantastic, probably man of the match, so that says it all.
“We tweaked the shape a wee bit, and we look a lot more like a goal threat, so it was decent.
“I was a wee bit gutted for the boys that they didn’t win it, because I felt the hard work and effort they put in would have deserved it.
“Our boys were brilliant. Despite not getting the three points, I was proud of them.
“They were disappointed after that they hadn’t won the game, so I think that speaks volumes as well. Their standards are high and they’re still battling hard.
“They’re a good bunch, and they’ve not lost any face, which is all you can ask for.”
McKeown is aware that Shotts have slightly improved their league position, but face a trip to third-placed St Cadoc’s tonight before visiting First Division high-fliers St Roch’s in the West of Scotland Cup fourth round on Saturday.
He said: “It’s a good position to be in, but we’re not even halfway through the league and we’re taking it one game at a time.
“It’s a couple of good games this week, but it doesn’t get any easier either!
“The boys seem to be relishing it. They’ve fought hard to get into a position to play these games, so fair play to them.
“St Cadoc’s gave us our biggest defeat of the season, 3-0, although we were excellent in that first half.
“In the second half they scored three lovely goals, but that just seems to be the way it happens.
“They have top-class players in their team that can punish you, so we need to concentrate and be on it for 90 minutes.”
McKeown added: “It’s good to be involved in the later stages of the cup competitions – that’s really important.
“We’ll freshen things up a wee bit on Wednesday.
“We’ve got to rotate – three games in a week is a lot, especially playing against top sides that are moving us about a fair bit, so we’re having to work hard.
“We’ve got a small squad, but they’re all hard working and deserve their opportunities.”
Kick-off tonight is 8pm, while Saturday is a 2pm start.