TOMMY Muir was awarded man of the match for his impressive display against Kelty Hearts, despite Annan falling to a 2-1 defeat.
NICKY Low scored a penalty to fire Kelty ahead, but Tommy Goss equalised when he thundered in a second spot-kick.
Annan hearts were broken when Jamie Barjonas netted for the League One side in the 93rd minute.
Muir did not win the accolade for getting on the scoresheet, instead the 25-year-old swapped shooting for tackling and played in the centre of a back three for The Black and Golds.
After the match, Muir said: “It’s devastating, they scored with the last kick of the ball and we have to change our shape at the end because I had to go off with my injury.
“We’ve not got set, it’s a cross into the box and a great finish to be fair.”
Muir, known widely to many football fans in the region as a prolific striker, does not mind his new position in the heart of the Annan defence.
He added: “It’s alright, I quite enjoy it, I played there for a couple of weeks at Stenhousemuir.
“You can tell when strikers are going to make a run, because I’ve played up front myself, and I can anticipate where the ball is going to go.
“You couldn’t have a couple of better players either side of you in Scott Hooper and Max Kilsby.
“Playing in a back three you get a wee bit more protection compared to a four.
“I don’t mind playing there, it does a job for the team and I would rather be there than not playing.”
On this Saturday’s voyage to Elgin, Muir added: “It’s a bit of a nightmare, it takes a lot out of the legs.”
Although, a good result in Moray could make for an enjoyable return journey home for the team.
“It depends on how we play, hopefully we can get a good result, get a few beers and have a good laugh on the bus back, and boys like myself who have just signed, will have to sing on the way home.
“It’s a long journey if you don’t get a result, I’ve been up there before and we lost 4-0 and I don’t think we were allowed to speak on the way home!”
Meanwhile, Annan have been drawn away to Pollok in the Scottish Cup second round, and the BBC cameras will be in attendance at the match which has been rescheduled for Monday October 24 at 7.45 pm.
The West of Scotland Premier League side will provide stern opposition and they will be looking to cause an upset in front of a full house and the television cameras.
But Annan dealt well with a similar tie last season in the competition against Clydebank. An Iain Anderson winner deep into extra time made it 3-2 and sent the Galabankies through. The victory then set up a dream draw at home against Glasgow giants Rangers FC in the following round.
