STRUGGLING Ardeer Thistle have been rocked by the resignations of their manager and coaching team.

Derek Gemmell stepped down on Saturday night, along with coaches Gareth Armstrong and John Colligan following the 5-0 demolition away to Annbank United in the Scottish Junior Cup.

The club are currently bottom of League Two with just four points from nine games.

Gemmell said: "I have been in the post for four years and junior football for 20 years and felt it was a time to step back. I really felt I had taken the club as far as I could and it was disappointing that there was a lack of commitment for some players with some not turning up to training. But there is no ill feeling and I will take a break."

Ardeer Thistle said in a statement: "The Ardeer Thistle FC committee would like to place on record their thanks to the previous management team of Del Gemmell, Gareth Armstrong and John Colligan for all their efforts for the club over the past several years and wish them all the best for the future."

Anyone interested should contact club secretary Peter McBlain on 07767898818.

Meanwhile Beith Juniors boss Johnny Millar questioned his team's commitment as they went down 3-1 away to Kilwinning Rangers in a Scottish Junior Cup Second Round tie.

He said: "They had four chances and scored three goals but we just never turned up. We didn't deserve anything. We were okay until their penalty although I don't know if it was one or or not. The week before in the senior cup at Nairn and we had 11 pass marks and everyone was up for it. It's disappointing as the Scottish Junior Cup is something we have a chance of winning. Even when they went down to 10 men we were giving the ball away in the middle of the park."

Buffs boss Chris Strain was delighted with his team's showing.

He said: "In cup ties you have to stand up and be counted and to a man the guys did that. Tommy Maitland scored a goal and in the middle of the park he was first on to first balls and second balls."