ELATED Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Bryan Slavin saluted his new team as he celebrated his 40th birthday by steering them to a thumping win.

The District League side on Saturday hammered Banchory St Ternan 6-2 in the opening round of the Scottish Junior Cup to ensure his time in charge got off to a flyer.

He had anticipated not being at the game but explained: "My wife said to keep the weekend free as she had celebrations planned but she threw me off the scent by having a party on Friday night instead, so I was able to take charge for the match."

The boss was impressed with how his team played and said: "To be honest I could not have asked for a much better performance and I must say it was a good birthday present. We controlled the match and deserved to win. We were well organised and Banchory had a difficult afternoon."

Slavin, who had coach Mark McCann alongside him in the dugout was impressed with how preparations had gone for the big match.

He said: "The training sessions on Monday and Wednesday went really well I must say, we worked the players hard. You are always looking to add to the squad but the players who are here are being given every chance to show what they can do."

However, the manager will not rest on his laurels as they gear up to face improved Dalry Thistle in the league at home on Saturday.

He will have assistant manager Drew Walsh in the dug-out facing his former team.

Slavin said: "Dalry have been going quite well but I will be asking the players to give 100 per cent application and hopefully if they do that we can pick up the three points."

Meanwhile Kilbirnie Ladeside assistant boss Gordon Robertson paid tribute to his patched-up side after they came from behind to defeat Clydebank 2-1 at Valefield Park.

He was especially impressed with two-goal hero Reece Williamson, who battled through injury, but still insisted on completing the game.

Robertson said: "Reece did well by scoring two goals and hurt his eye heading the ball but insisted he wanted to carry on. There was some blood, he needed stitches later.

"We also had a few guys struggling with injuries and illness and a couple on the bench were not even fit. But we showed great character coming from behind. We have beaten Pollok, Hurlford and now Clydebank."

However on Saturday they face a more daunting task, hosting leaders Beith, who have won all their five Premier Division games.

Robertson added: "Beith are doing well but we will go there looking to win the game."