PROUD Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Chris Strain Snr this week praised his team's defensive record as they chalked up a fourth victory in succession.

Winton defeated Greenock 1-0 in a home Super League First Division match.

Strain is impressed with the progress made by his side and said: "It was an important victory and we could have won even more easily had we taken our chances. We could have had a penalty in the second half when Ian Reid was brought down. The most pleasing thing is that was our second successive clean sheet and we are defending well. We are on a run and can hopefully keep it going."

Next up for Winton is a home Scottish Junior Cup Second Round tie against Deveronvale on Saturday and Strain is quietly confident they can progress."

Strain added: "We have had Deveronside watched and they have a couple of dangerous players. They lost 4-2 at home at the weekend. But it's important the players have the right attitude. The Scottish Cup is an important competition and hopefully we can go through."

Meanwhile two players who have been in and out of the team have been transfer-listed by the club.

Winton will listen to offers for John Johnston and Lee McCrea.

Beith boss Johnny Millar is also impesssede with his side's ability to keep the back door shut following the 0-0 draw away to Shettleston in the Super Premier Division.

He said: "That's only one goal conceded in three games and we have tightened up at the back which is pleasing. It was a good result and we will see how the league takes shape. in the next few weeks."

The Bellsdale Park side on Saturday host  Vale of Clyde in the Scottish Junior Cup.

Millar expects a tough test and said: "They reached the Central League Cup final and lost to Petershill so they are a good side and it won't be easy, hopefully we will progress."

Dalry Thistle manager Gavin Friels says his team are going in the right direction following a 1-1 draw away to Ardeer Thistle.

He said: "Their goal was unfortunate because it came from an indirect free-kick when the ball hit Chris McFadzean on the shin and bounced back to our goalie Brian Hewitt. We played well in the second half and had chances. We look forward to Saturday's game against Irvine Vics who are on a good run and we are looking to win, or at least take something from it."

In other Scottish Cup action this weekend, Saltcoats Victoria FC host Midlothian team Easthouses Lily FC and Kilbirnie Ladeside face a potentiallyh tricky tie away to Premier Division rivals Shettleston.

Kilwinning Rangers enjoy home advantage against Central League team Ashfield.