BUOYANT Kilwinning Rangers manager Chris Strain is impressed with his team's progress after they swept aside promoted Troon on Saturday.

The Abbey Park side are just two points behind leaders Hurlford United after racking up their third win out of four.

Strain said: "We are growing in confidence, that's clear to see and are getting used to one another. We are knocking the ball about really well and look like a good side. We have only been behind once to Ardeer this season but quickly came back. We are playing football in the right manner and 3-0 isn't probably a fair reflection in the margin between the teams.

"The more opportunity we get to play football the better. The players are working hard on the ball to create angles for team-mates. Troon got some fantastic blocks in the first half but you can't do that for 90 minutes.

"I felt Jamie Whyte did well, he had experienced players around him. The pleasing thing for me is that we kept a clean sheet. We are also playing as we set to play."

Meanwhile, a double from Bryan Boylan and goals from Tommy Maitland and Carlo Monti gave Buffs a 4-2 win against local rivals Kilbirnie Ladeside in the last 16 of the Sectional League Cup.