JUBILANT ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS boss Chris Strain Snr says his team are well placed for promotion after extending their unbeaten run to 10 games.

Now he is targeting another striker to further increase their firepower Winton defeated Annbank United 3-1 on Saturday to close within two points of leaders KILWINNING RANGERS, Their last defeat came against St Anthony’s in the Scottish Junior Cup on October 4.

Strain said: “We had the game done and dusted by half-time. It was good to see Ian Cashmore scoring a couple of goals. But we are improving each week and our target is promotion. We are where we would like to be. Obviously Kilwinning are up there but Lugar are a dangerous team and Darvel and Whitletts are both up there, I would like to add a striker as we have three - Cashmore, Jared Willet and Ryan Caddis and it would be good to have another one.” Winton on Saturday head East to face Craigmark Burntonians.

Strain said: “There has been snow in Dalmellington so I’m not sure if the game will be on but we are looking to win. They have improved and beat Clydebank in the West of Scotland Cup this season.” Upbeat SALTCOATS VICTORIA boss Derek Frye continues to be encouraged with his team’s progress as they edged out Darvel 1-0, He said: “It was a good win for us and a good result for the teams above Darvel. I felt the red card for Joe Young was a bit harsh as he hit out after being pushed. We have a tough game at Annbank and are looking to win. If we can finish fifth or sixth that will be an improvement and I will be happy.” KILBIRNIE LADESIDE went down 3-1 away to Petershill, Chris Wilson netting their consolation goal.

ANGRY IRVINE MEADOW boss Stevie Rankin is set to appeal the red-carding of key midfielder Michael Keenan in Saturday’s 2-2 draw away to Glenafton Athletic.

But the manager was encouraged with his team’s battling qualities after a last gasp goal from free-kick specialist Mark Thomson kept their unbeaten record in the Premier Division intact. However their 100 per cent record came to and end following 10 straight victories.

Rankin said: “I was pleased we took something from the game especially since our equaliser came so late on just after they had scored. Our goalie Graeme Shepherd made some fantastic saves but he’s a good keeper and that’s what I expect him to do. Conditions were difficult and Michael just went in for challenge, there was no malice in it and I felt it should have been a booking at worst.

“Normally I don’t do appeals but I am thinking I will appeal this one as I feel we have a case. That would mean Michael was free to play in Saturday’s game against Kilbirnie.

The manager is looking forward to the Kilbirnie match.

Rankin said: “Kilbirnie are a good footballing side and it will be a tough game but we are going out to win it.” Winton are running a supporters’ bus to the Craigmark game, It leaves Winton Park at 11.30am with the usual pick up points.

Contact Bobby Macnamara on 07969241895 for more details.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.