Stenhousemuir 0-0 Montrose

Jan 20 2008 Jordan Costello At Ochilview

MODEST keeper John Hillcoat refused to take the plaudits for his superb clean sheet that ensured Stenny grabbed a well-earned point in the race for a play-off spot.

Despite the home side having most of the play Hillcoat - playing his first game since September - had to save his side with a couple of great stops.

A breathtaking block from Stephen Black's 63rd-minute thunderbolt was the pick of the bunch but Hilly claimed it was his defence that deserved all the praise.

Hillcoat, who was playing in his first match under Stenny boss John Coughlin, said: "I was delighted to get back into the team and get a clean sheet but you have to look at our defence and I thought they were different class.

"It's all about the team and that's what our attitude is. I was pleased with the save from Black and sometimes you get the luck with those ones.

"It was an entertaining game and both sides could have won it. There's still a long way to go and we still have to play Arbroath twice and just hope East Fife keep winning. If that ends up being the case I reckon we'll be up there."

Warriors' gaffer Coughlin was pleased with his team's display and revealed they have signed ex-Hibs player Pat Mailey as a replacement for Gordon Lennon who played his last game against Montrose.

Coughlin said: "Gordon's leaving us now and we're gutted to see him go but we'll bring in Pat and if he can do half as good a job as Gordon I'll be happy.

"We tried to be positive and created chances by using the ball well.We just need to keep believing in ourselves till the end of the season. Hilly was one of the reasons we kept a clean sheet but we played a lot of nice football too."

While Hillcoat denied Black with a stunning second-half save the Montrose midfielder had beaten the keeper in the opening minutes only to see his powerful drive hit the bar.

The home side had a glorious chance in 15 minutes when Jose Quitongo slipped a neat through ball to Scott Dalziel but his effort crept inches wide.

The Warriors continued to press for the opener and Steven Ferguson's 20-yard free-kick deflected off Steven Hampshire before flying inches over.

Montrose started the second half well and went close in 58minutes when Black's free-kick found Ian Dobbins but his header was blocked by Hillcoat and Gary Wood couldn't squeeze in the rebound.

The keeper proved his worth again minutes later when Jay Stein's free-kick was cleared to Black who hit a ferocious volley that was brilliantly palmed away.

In 79 minutes Stenny nearly won it when Willie Lyle's cross found sub Ross Hamilton but his header skimmed the bar after looping over the keeper.

Montrose boss Jim Weir said: "A draw was a fair result. They controlled the first half but we were better after the break."