FRUSTRATED Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Bryan Slavin is considering an appeal against midfielder Alan Muir's "harsh" dismissal in Saturday's fiery clash away to league leaders Craigmark Burntonians.

But the manager has praised the team for keeping their discipline and securing a vital 3-1 victory against the surprise pacesetters, which keeps their promotion hopes alive.

In what a was a tempestuous game, Muir was sent off along with Craigmark players Stephen McKay and William Hall 17 minutes from time following a major melee and after the match, home player Joe Maxwell was given a second yellow card after the game.

Slavin said: "I feel Alan's sending off was harsh. I didn't see the incident that closely but Alan was stamped on and punched and was accused of raising his hands to make an indignant gesture. I would have been annoyed if something like that had happened. I think we will appeal the decision as he was hard done by and he's the kind of player we can't afford to lose. If we appeal that would mean Alan could play on in the meantime."

The manager was impressed with his team's display, with the victory moving them up to second spot.

He added: "We kept our discipline which was important. We went down there aiming for no less than three points and deserved the win."

They are now two points behind their weekend opponents, although have played two more games.

Saturday sees Winton make the short trip south to face a Whitletts Victoria side whose manager Neil Duffy resigned on Monday night.

Slavin commented: "I heard Neil had left and it's hard to know how that will affect the team. They might have someone new in place but all we are concerned about is ourselves and our aim is to win the game. We can't afford to drop too many points but I have a fair idea of what we need to have a chance of promotion which has to be our target this season."

Beith Juniors manager Johnny Millar, meanwhile was happy to take a point as his team held hosts Kilbirnie Ladeside 1-1, despite having Tommy Martin and Paul Frize sent off.

Millar said: "We did well to take something from the match considering we had two players sent off. But I feel the red cards were harsh as there wasn't really a dirty tackle in the match."

Saturday sees Beith hosting Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and the boss added: "To have a chance of winning the league we must start picking up victories instead of draws, we are home and must make sure we take the three points."