A REACTION is being demanded from his players by Kilbirnie Ladeside boss Budgie McGhie after their four-month long unbeaten record imploded in spectacular fashion.

The Valefield Park club went down 5-0 away to a clinical Auchinleck Talbot side, who handed them their first defeat since losing 3-1 away to Glenafton Athletic in September.

McGhie, who took charge in June was very disappointed with the outcome and said: "Let's not dress this up, it was a really disappointing result and not a good performance. We had been unbeaten since September and it was a poor way to lose that record with a 5-0 defeat. We had been going so well. Key players were missing but that's not an excuse and I'm gutted. But we are not giving up on the league yet, we still have to play Kilwinning twice."

The gaffer hopes Saturday's home clash with Forfar West End will spur the team on and said: "It's quite good in a way that the next game is in the Scottish Cup. It's an important competition - I took Clydebank to the final when they were in the Super First Division and have been involved in quarter-finals and semi-finals. We will not be taking Forfar West End lightly. They are bottom of the Premier Division but will come here with nothing to lose. But I know if we play well we can win and it would be good to reach the last 32."

Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Bryan Slavin, meanwhile, said his side played their best football of the season in the 6-1 demolition of managerless Whitletts Vics at Dam Park Stadium.

He said: "Our display in the first half was the best since I came here. We led 5-0 and totally dominated. The guys tired a bit in the second half but the game was won by then."

Winton last Thursday drew 4-4 with Ayr United Under-20s in a friendly at Dam Park Stadium, Jamie McKenna netting a double and Michael Lennox and Steven Tan also on target.

Saturday sees them hosting a Maybole side who defeated them 5-2 in September in what was Sandy MacLean's last game in charge.

Slavin said: "The players won't need any motivation since they lost last time. That's four wins in a row and hopefully we can turn Maybole over."

Saltcoats Victoria boss George Grierson admitted he was disappointed his side didn't defeat leaders Craigmark Burntonians following a 3-3 draw at Campbell Park.

He said: "At the time I thought we did well to come back from 3-1 to take a point but in the cold light of day I was disappointed we didn't win as we had chances. But we are making progress."

Saltcoats on Saturday visit Irvine Vics and the manager added: "They were a Super First Division side last season but we must keep picking up points."