SHATTERED Kilwinning boss Chris Strain this week apologised to fans after his team crashed out of the Scottish Junior Cup.

They lost 3-0 away to Bo'ness United and the Abbey Park gaffer insists they can do much better.

The defeat in a third round tie comes two weeks after they fell at the first hurdle to Irvine Meadow in the West of Scotland Cup.

Strain said: "I would say we were well beaten, it was a disappointing performance as a group. We have not shown any fight and desire and that is disappointing. We were out-battled on day. That's disappointing, especially given we had a big travelling support and feel that we let everyone down.

"We are not happy we are out of the two big competitions at this stage and must learn some lessons. The performance was not good enough."

Strain conceded the hosts wanted victory more and added: "It looks like Bo'ness were the hungrier of the teams and we do not like that being highlighted. Now it's all about focusing on the future and we should not allow this to happen again. We are a good football team, we did not do the ugly side of the game and must be able to deal with that."

Strain is now demanding a reaction from his players as they host Arthurlie in Super League Premier Division on Saturday.

He said: "We have to fully focus on the weekend and put in a challenge for the league title. We are in a good position and the target must be to take all three points against Arthurlie. If we do that we will be a point behind the leaders Beith with a game in hand."

He did not dispute the dismissal of Tommy Maitland for a second booking midway through the second half.

The manager added: "It was total stupidity as when you're on a booking you can't speak to a referee."

Meanwhile Irvine Victoria defender David Wilson, brother of boss Stevie, was in action for the first time in a year, as their side lost 3-0 to Dunipace in a friendly at Greenwood Academy.

Wilson has recovered well from a ligament injury.

The manager said: "I'm glad we took the game and it gave us the chance to give some guys who have not been playing game time and the result wasn't important."

Vics on Saturday play Maybole away and Wilson said: "We have beaten them twice and drawn once this season and go there looking for three points."

Irvine Meadow hope their cup clash at Dyce goes ahead at the second time of asking.

Boss Brian McGinty said: "We knew the game was off on Friday night and had a good training session at Irvine Beach Park. Hopefully we can get through."