FOCUSED Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Sandy MacLean is aiming to quickly put the disappointment of the league leaders' first defeat behind him.

And he hopes the 3-2 home loss against second-placed Whitletts Victoria will make the players stronger as the team chase promotion to the Super League.

MacLean was encouraged with his team's efforts despite the result and said: "We had to play 75 minutes with 10 men after our goalie John Mullen was sent off and we lost one our best players in midfield Bobby Colligan, as he had to go in goals. I can't argue with the red card as it was a foul. But we battled hard for the rest of the game and I am proud of the players.

"We missed some good opportunities. The Whitletts goalie made a couple of great saves from Ryan Caddis and Marc Davidson hit the crossbar."

Added MacLean, who took charge late last season: "My assistant Colin Lindsay said to me recently he hoped we could go through the season undefeated in the league but that is very difficult to do. We have a tough game away to Darvel, who are one of the main challengers and we must look to take three points.

"If we can win six of the last seven games we will win the league so that has to be the target. Hopefully the defeat makes us stronger."

Meanwhile Beith Juniors manager Johnny Millar was disappointed his side did not hold out for victory as they were held 2-2 at home by Garnock Valley rivals Kilbirnie Ladeside to deal their title hopes a blow.

He said: "We really should have seen the game out as we missed so many chances. But we switched off very late on and conceded two goals."

Beith head to Townhead Park on Saturday and Millar said: "We have to look to take three points although Cumnock have had some good results. I would say we are still in contention for the league but we have to start winning some more games."

Millar's side defeated Clydebank 2-0 in a friendly at Meadowside Park on Monday night, with Darren Christie and Ross "Archie" McPherson on target.

The club have reluctantly placed midfielder Tommy Martin on the transfer list.

He was a key player in last season's Scottish Junior Cup final success, but has been unable to break back into the team.