ON-FORM striker Thomas Collins is hoping to propel Ardrossan Winton Rovers to promotion glory after making a stunning debut.

The 20-year-old target man, who is on loan from Beith, kicked off his time at the Ardrosan club with a glorious hat-trick in the 4-0 home win against near neighbours Dalry Thistle on Saturday.

It ended a three-game losing streak for the league leaders, who welcome Maybole to Winton Park on Saturday.

Collins, who scored a penalty in the shootout in Beith's Scottish Junior Cup final triumph against Pollok at Rugby Park last season is enjoying his new challenge and said: "I wasn't getting a regular start for Beith and I spoke to the manager Johnny Millar. He thought it would be a good idea to get me out on loan."

"This is a good opportunity and I was pleased with how I played. That's the third hat-trick of my career - I got two at Beith. It was great to partner Ryan Caddis up front as he has so much experience. I am here for another four games and hopefully I can get help Winton achieve promotion, it was an important win and we will be looking to take three points on Saturday.

"Hopefully if I do well and can go back to Beith and get some more games," added the former Queens Park first team player.

Meanwhile manager Sandy MacLean was encouraged with the performance of his team and the debutant.

He said: "The players responded really well after the Kello defeat which was a very un-Winton like performance - it's not like us to lose six goals. Sometimes bringing in a new player be a gamble but I was impressed with Thomas. He has an instinct for goal and took his chances well. We expect a tough game against Maybole - we beat them 4-2 there but they are a good side and I know their manager Carlo Walker well from having him as a player at Beith. We need three points and have to win all our games to guarantee promotion."

Meanwhile Beith assistant manager Stevie Convery was disappointed with a key decision in his team's 2-2 draw at Hurlford United on Saturday.

He said: "We were denied a stonewall penalty at 1-0 up when there was handball by a Hurlford player, that could have changed the game although we did well to fight back from 2-1 down to take a point."

Beith on Saturday host champions Auchinleck Talbot and Convery said: "We are looking to win the match as we need victories if we want to challenge."