FRUSTRATED Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Chris Strain Snr is urging his side to improve their discipline after they pulled off a victory against the odds.

Skipper Ryan Caddis and Robbie Cochrane were sent off in the game away to Kello just before the break, leaving the visitors to play the whole second half with 10 men.

The hosts went ahead in 70 minutes but Winton blasted two late goals to seal a 3-2 win to stretch their unbeaten run to 19 games.

Meanwhile back-from-injury striker Ian Cashmore, who netted the winning goal after six weeks on the sidelines, is relishing Saturday’s derby clash at home to Saltcoats Victoria as Winton aim to close in on promotion.

Strain feels the Cochrane dismissal was harsh and will appeal but was annoyed at his team for leaving themselves in a vulnerable position.

Strain said: “I had a chat with the players on Monday night and we have to improve our discipline. Ryan Caddis was silly to get involved with the Kello player who was also sent off. I feel Robbie’s red card was harsh as the guy went in to challenge him and all he did was get out of the way and he ended up clipping him on the way past. It was a harsh decision and we will appeal it but the fact is we pressed the self-destruct button and left ourselves in a difficult position. If had kept 11 men on the park we would have won easily,” However the boss was impressed with the way his side turned the game around.

He added: “We showed great battling qualities when we were down to nine men and they had 10. The substitutes, Conor Browning, Jared Willet and Ian Cashmore helped change the game with Ian’s goal winning it for us.” Strain hopes 10 more points will take Winton back to the Super League, But he still expects a difficult test against Saltcoats Vics and said: “Hopefully three wins and a draw will clinch promotion for us. Derby matches are never easy and can close but it’s just another game and we are looking to take three points.” Cashmore, who bagged his 13th goal of the season after coming back from a calf injury, praised the players for their display.

He said: “What a performance it was from us today with us down to nine men and 2-1 down with minutes left. The guys showed great fighting spirit and it was great to extend our unbeaten run. We look forward to the derby match.

“My debut was in a derby match and we beat Saltcoats 3-2 so we will be looking to win the game although it will be tough as they are playing well.” Meanwhile Seasiders and former Winton manager Derek Frye admits the odds are stacked against his team as they are understrength for the derby.

He said: “There’s no doubt Winton will go up. We are down to just 14 players as four key guys are out through work but we will be looking to take three points, you never know what can happen in football.” WINTON are holding a special collection at the game to help boost the Stuart McGrady Memorial Fund. The fund was set up in memory of the Maybole captain who died the weekend before last by his former team-mates.

The Kandy Bar in Saltcoats have also donated a batch of their award-winning pies to sell to help supplement the collection.

Winton chairman Dougie Rae said: “Hopefully people will give generously for a deserving cause.

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