Kilbirnie Ladeside co-manager Thomas Molloy praised goalkeeper Joe Wilton after he saved a crucial spot kick during their 2-1 win over Darvel.

The Blasties took early lead in the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division clash at Valefield Park.

Gavin Mitchell blasted in from distance into the bottom left hand corner past an unsighted Jack Ruddy. Alex McWaters then dispatched a powerful spot kick into the bottom left hand corner just before the break to give the hosts a two goal lead at the interval.

In the second half, the Vale grabbed a goal back through Darren Miller to set up a tense ending to the match.

It looked as though Kilbirnie may drop points when the away side were awarded a late penalty.

However, keeper Wilton got down well to his left to save and ensure the victory.

Speaking to the Herald, Molloy said: “Joe is the best goalkeeper I have worked with and he is a proper leader.

“He is a top level goalkeeper and I think he has saved four penalties for us this season.

“The goalkeeper coach who just left and him did a lot of work studying spot kicks.

“He is a total professional and it would not surprise me if he has done his homework at the weekend.”

 “He is a player I trust with my life when he goes in nets every week.”