DEFEAT against Whitletts Victoria has damaged the promotion hopes of Ardrossan Winton Rovers, disappointed manager Sandy MacLean conceded this week.

The 2-1 reverse at Dam Park Stadium on Saturday has left Winton's fate outwith their own hands, with Whitletts and Darvel the main threats to their ambitions.

MacLean told Sportscene on Monday: "It was a really disappointing result but we lost a headed goal from a corner and conceded a penalty. It's unfortunate now that our fate is not in our hands but all we can do is aim to win our final two games to get to 50 points and see where that takes us.

"This is my first experience of the District League but it is very competitive and it's amazing still having so many teams still in contention at this late stage of the season. If Darvel and Whitletts win their remaining games they will deserve to go up."

Meanwhile revenge will be the spur for Winton on Saturday when they make the long trip south to Nithside Park to face Kello Rovers in the opening round of the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup.

They lost 6-1 there on league business last month and are determined to make amends.

MacLean said: "It was a poor result down there last time and we have a big incentive to win as we would face Saltcoats Vics in the next round. Hopefully we can get through."