PROMOTED Dalry Thistle are confident they can hold their own in the McBookie Championship after making a fine start to the season.

Manager Gavin Friels and striker Ian Cashmore in a positive frame of mind after racking up a third straight win.

The District League champions defeated local rivals Irvine Vics 2-0 at Merksworth Park to leave them in joint-top spot with Rutherglen Glencairn.

Friels said: "We've had six games in two weeks but we fought it out well, it was a hard game. They had a few long range shots and there was a wee spell in the last 10 minutes of the first half when they had a few shots across the face of goal but we were tired.

"Good defending was the key and that has carried on from last season

"We want to make sure we are in the top half of the table and see where it goes from there. It's all hard games we play but I don't think there's a massive jump in standards."

Cashmore, who netted his third goal in three league games, added: "We limited Vics to outside the box and we scored the goals at the right time, which is always a good thing. Our target is to stay in the league, it's a harder league. Things are going well, it's only three games out of 30.

"We are at Craigmark on Saturday and are looking to go and win that. The defence is solid."

Kilbirnie Ladeside boss Budgie McGhie was impressed with his team as they won 4-0 at Renfrew.

He said: "We have made a good start to the season and scored good goals but we have a tough game at Largs who are going well and must look to win that on Saturday."

Beith manager Johnny Millar was encouraged with his team's showing as they reached the second preliminary round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

They defeated Threave Rovers away on Saturday and now host Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale on Saturday, September 1.

He said: "They have won three league titles so it wasn't going to easy but once we got the second goal that settled us. It will be a tough tie as they are a good side but we are at home and can't ask for much more than that."