GLENS boss Craig McEwan reckons winning a free kick is as good as a penalty for his side these days.

The Glens boss watched on as his side took a point from an evenly contested derby game against Cumnock on Saturday. He was delighted when free kick specialist, after Gray fired in a goal of the season contender with a thunder bolt of a free kick from over 30 yards.

The goal was Gray's incredible FIFTH goal from a free kick so far this season.

Gray netted a free kick stunner in a Scottish Cup game against Broxburn and then repeated the feat the following week in the replay.

Speaking to the Chronicle this week, Gray said: "It was a good strike to be fair.

"It's something I've always been good at to be honest. I've always done it. I used to always take a bag of balls after training when I was younger and practice striking the ball.

"This has definitely been my best run from free kicks. I don't think I've ever scored as many in such a short space of time. My best season was when I played for Kilbirnie but I think I'll better that this year."

Loch Park gaffer, McEwan said: "It's as good as a penalty kick for us at the minute.

"It seems to be happening every week and long may it continue.

"Davie has got more in his locker than just free kicks but hopefully he keeps it up.

"If you're the Cumnock goalie then you're probably thinking to yourself 'go on, hit it'. It's outrageous."

Cumnock quickly cancelled out Gray's wonder-strike when Seam McKenzie netted an equalizer.

Gray said: "Cumnock were quite strong and they are a decent side. They are good going forward. I've played with big Scott Anson before and he's good at what he does. He's big and physical and it's always a hard game against him.

"The boy McKenzie was really good as well and he caused us a few problems.

"It was a hard game but it was disappointing. We are still letting in some silly goals through. We are always going to score goals but we just need to cut out conceding soft goals."

The Glens this week travel to take on their East Ayrshire rivals, Hurlford United in league action.

Gray added: "Hurlford haven't started as well as they normally do and they seem like they might be struggling a wee bit, but there's no easy games in this league."

Glens take on Hurlford at Blair Park with a 2pm kick off.