Ardrossan Winton Rovers manager Stevie Wilson says his side controlled the first half of their 2-1 loss to Muirkirk at the weekend.

Rovers travelled to Burnside Park to take on Muirkirk in the third round of the Scottish Junior Cup.

They started off brightly in the first half but failed to make their dominance count as the sides went into the break level.

But the Winton’s hard work was rewarded in the second period as they took the lead through Jamie McKenna.

However, Muirkirk quickly equalised minutes later via Callum Bryan.

Veteran striker Christian Nadé then scored the winner for the Kirk, with an acrobatic finish, as Ardrossan bowed out of the competition.

Speaking to the Herald, Wilson said: “We absolutely battered Muirkirk in the first half to be honest and I could not have asked for any more besides a goal.

“In the second half, we took the lead and then conceded two sloppy goals, which was really disappointing.”

Next up for Rovers is another tricky tie as they take on Arthurlie in the West of Scotland Football League Cup, with Wilson saying he is unafraid of the Conference A high flyers.

He said: “We do not fear anyone but we know it will be a tough tie as Arthurlie are playing really well.

“We will be the underdogs but we have a really good chance of winning of the tie.”