FOCUSED Kilwinning Rangers defender Isaac Kerr and boss Chris Strain Jnr are hopeful of causing a giant-killing by toppling high-flying Linlithgow Rose.

Buffs take on the strongly fancied visitors in a Scottish Junior Cup fifth round tie on Saturday, after defeating Shotts Bon Accord 4-0 in a Super First Division game at the weekend.

Rose reached the last 16 of the senior cup, losing to Ross County on Saturday and knocked out Irvine Meadow in the previous round of the showpiece junior event.

Kerr is expecting a tough test.

However the game holds no fears for the defender, who said: "I saw Linlithgow play Ross County on TV and was impressed with some of the football they played. It will be a good test but I think with the form we are in we have a really good chance.. I am expecting us to cause an upset and I don't see why we can't go through. as long as we play well. Tthere's no reason why we can't match them."

Strain was impressed with the display at Shotts and told Sporttimes: "We played well, it was our fourth clean sheet in five games and that's six league wins on the bounce now."

Looking ahead he said: "Linlithgow have done fantastically well in the league and had a great run in the senior Scottish Cup. We are under no illusions it is a tough ask but I have belief in our players. At home we are a match for anyone. If the boys play to the best of their ability, Linlithgow Rose will know they have beein one hell of a game and hopefully we can go through. If we have a good home support hopefully that will carry us through to what would be a famous victory."

District League leaders Irvine Victoria warmed up for Saturday's eagerly anticipated top-of-the-table clash away to Girvan by defeating Benburb 4-0 in a weekend friendly, with Eddie Ablohr, Callum Davidson, Mark McRobert and Jordan Craig on target.

Boss Stevie Wilson is relishing the match and said: "Girvan are going very well and it will be a tough game. But we are looking to win and open up a 15-point gap on them."

Irvine Meadow are away to Johnstone Burgh in a West of Scotland Cup tie on Saturday and manager Davie Greig said: "They are a good side and were promoted last season but we are looking to win. It's an important game."

Meadow are holding a supporters' meeting at the Social Club next Sunday, February 21, at 1pm and all fans are welcome.