CONFIDENT Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Bryan Slavin fully believes his side are right back in the promotion race, following a morale-boosting weekend victory.

Winton ran out 2-1 winners at home to Three Towns rivals Ardeer Thistle in just one of three games in Ayrshire which beat the wintry weather.

They moved up to joint second spot, behind Maybole only on goal difference and just five behind leaders Craigmark Burntonians, who have played two fewer games.

Slavin says his team have learned lessons from the shock home defeat against derby foes Saltcoats Victoria, with the weekend win completing back-to-back victories for the team following their 4-1 home triumph against pre-season title favourites Irvine Victoria three weeks earlier.

The manager, who was again in action said: "That was an important win for us as Ardeer came here with nothing to lose. But our goalkeeper Bryan Tucker really didn't have a save to make and we totally dominated the play. There's no doubt we learned from the Saltcoats defeat, which was a big disappointment and we played well against Irvine Vics and then Ardeer.

"It was a good team performance and most of the players are buying into what the coaching team are trying to achieve here. I feel it's important for me to play as you need someone to communicate at the back and we don't have anyone else who is able to do that. It was a good result and the Maybole defeat against Annbank also helped us.

"I would say we are in with a chance of promotion and we are in a good position but we have to keep working hard."

Winton on Saturday are scheduled to play Dalry Thistle away, although the game could in doubt as the Merksworth Park club have suffered ongoing problems with their pitch.

Slavin added: "Dalry have had some good results in the few games they have played so it will be a test but hopefully we will go there and win the game."

Meanwhile Beith were left disappointed after their cup tie away to Fifers Crossgates Primrose was called off for a third time. They will face Winton away in a friendly on Saturday should both clubs have their games postponed.

But before that Beith will play Cumbernald United tomorrow (Thursday) in a friendly at King George V Playing Fields in Renfrew.

Manager Johnny Millar said: "It's frustrating but you can't help the weather, it's been bad on the west coast and the east. There's nothing much you can do. We hope the Scottish Cup tie goes ahead but we hear it's to freeze up again at the weekend so it looks doubtful. The guys have been training and it will be good to get a couple of friendlies under our belts."