CAUTIOUS Kilwinning Rangers boss Chris Strain is playing down his team's title chances after they soared into second spot.

Buffs defeated Cumnock 3-1 away in the McBookie Super League Premier Division to close within four points of leaders Beith.

The boss was impressed with his team's display and said: "We bounced back well from our West of Scotland Cup defeat against Irvine Meadow and scored some good goals. We are going well."

But he added: "There's a long way to go and we have to take the games one at a time. We are in a good position but there's a long way to go.

Buffs on Saturday are on the road, taking on East Coast big guns and fellow former winners Bo'ness United in a Scottish Junior Cup third round tie.

But despite the hosts' poor form, which has seen them win just four games out of 13, Strain said: "They are not going well in the league but will be putting their eggs in the one basket by trying to make sure they do well in the Scottish Cup. But hopefully we can go there and get a result. We had some great support again on Saturday and I'm sure the fans will turn out again on Saturday."

Buffs have sent striker Craig Dallas, who has been unable to secure a starting place, out on loan to Shettleston.

Meanwhile Irvine Vics suffered a surprise 4-1 away defeat against Ardrossan Winton Rovers in the Ayrshire District League.

It was only their second league loss and ironically came against a side who had earlier in the season beaten them at Victoria Park.

But they had gone down 1-0 at home to Forth Wanderers in the Scottish Junior Cup the previous week and will be looking to bounce back.

However they have no game on Saturday as they are the spare team in the league.