LONG-serving Kilwinning Rangers midfielder Ben Lewis is urging his side to seize the chance to blast into the closing stages of the Macron Scottish Cup after crashing to a demoralising derby defeat on Saturday.

Buffs host East Coast side Thornton Hibs, who are in the East Super League - the top league on the East Coast - with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

The Abbey Park side go into the side in a slump, with the 2-1 home defeat against Irvine Meadow coming seven days after they were hammered 5-0 at Clydebank.

They will be looking to bounce back following recent poor results but some of their best football has been played in the Scottish Junior Cup this season after they saw off one of the favourites Beith 3-1 at Abbey Park in September.

Lewis, in his 10th season with Buffs said: "We have had a couple of poor results recently and the results have not been acceptable, it was a really disappointing result on Saturday and we can improve. The Scottish Junior Cup represent our last chance of winning something and it's 20 years since we lifted the trophy.

"I'm sure it won't be easy against Thornton Hibs but our ties have all been at home in the cup, we have a big incentive to win as we are in the quarter-finals and a lot of teams from our league are still in the competition. This is our biggest game of the season and hopefully we will attract a good crowd. We have been inconsistent and must improve."

Meanwhile manager Chris Strain is demanding more from his players as they gear up for the big match.

He said: "It was a very disappointing result and performance and we know we can do better.

But he added: "This is the biggest game we have played this season and I will be looking for a good performance. It's the most important game we have faced this season.

"There's a big prize for a win - a place in the quarter-finals. But Thornton Hibs are a good side and had a good result on Saturday so it will be difficult. I had asked for a reaction from the players on Saturday but didn't get one. Hopefully we will get one at the weekend and we we look forward to the match."