REJUVENATED Dalry Thistle are targeting seven wins for the Ayrshire District League title after toppling leaders Irvine Victoria on Saturday.

That is the message from manager Gavin Friels following the Garnock Valley team's 3-0 victory at Merksworth Park.

Thistle are now 12 points behind Vics with six games in hand, following the Irvine team's 9-1 demolition of Muirkirk at Victoria Park on Monday night.

Friels has been impressed with the progress of his squad and is confident they can step up to next season's Championship.

He said: "It was an excellent performance in the first half, which we totally dominated and there were good goals from Kyle Cumming, Jordan Stewart and Mark Archdeacon. We have a good team, I have had most of these boys for three years and it's reaping rewards now. My job is also made easier as Andy Reid has come in as chairman and we have a couple of new committee members. They are also involved in helping with drainage work at the park."

The boss feels things are heading in the right direction for the club but will not rest on his laurels and added: "It's really important that we get promotion and for that we will have to win five games out of the last nine but if we can win seven that's enough for the league although we have lot of games to get in.

"Myself and players Chris McGowan and Ian Cashmore have all won titles and we know what it's like. We have conceded only seven goals in 11 games, which is a great record."

Next up for Thistle is a home clash with Annbank United on Saturday.

But former Meadow and Talbot great Friels is taking nothing for granted and added: "We will have to treat this game like all the others, they will be hurting after their defeat against Vics but we must aim to take the three points."

Meanwhile Beith Juniors manager Johnny Millar hopes his side can continue their impressive run of from which has seen them win three straight games to take them into title contention. They are now just two points leaders Kilwinning Rangers following wins against Clydebank, Cumnock and Arthurlie.

He said: "I challenged the players to win the last three games and they did that. But now we must aim to win our remaining games and see where it takes us. We are in a good position but there are no easy matches as everyone has something to play for, including the teams at the foot of the table who are trying to avoid the two bottom spots."