EVERGREEN Ardrossan Winton Rovers striker Ian Cashmore celebrated one of the proudest moments of his life last Tuesday when he became a dad.

And the player, nicknamed Cashy, completed what was truly a dream week on Monday when he hit his first goal of the season as they defeated local rivals Dalry Thistle in a penalty shootout, with new born baby Cillian looking on.

The game came three days after Winton went down 8-1 at Beith in the West Region Sectional League Cup.

Cashmore could hardly contain his delight when he spoke to Sportscene on Tuesday.

He said: “It was absolutely amazing becoming a dad, it’s just such an amazing feeling.

“I also have a step daughter Lily Rose so I’m really happy.”

The target man was also delighted his son had a chance to see him in action.

He added: “My partner Lisa Ayres brought him along for the second half and it was after that I scored. Hopefully Cillian

helped bring me luck.”

On the football side of things the striker was encouraged with the result.

He said: “It was great to get off the mark with my first goal of the season and it was a good result after the defeat at Beith.

“Our aim is to win the league so we will be looking to win our opening match at Lanark on Saturday.”

Manager Stevie Wilson was relieved to get a win following the loss at Bellsdale Park and said: “Beith are a top team but you shouldn’t be conceding eight goals in any games. It was good to make amends to the fans on Monday by winning the game, although we missed a few chances.

“But we have had six or seven players injured or suspended in the last few games.

“Stuart Hannah is free of suspension but was injured in the warm-up. I don’t want to rush him back to soon as it’s still really quite early in the season and we have quite a few games to play.”

Winton take on Kilbirnie Ladeside in the cup tonight (Wednesday) before heading to Lanark.

Wilson added: “It will be a good game and a big test for us against a Premier Division side. It w ill be difficult as Liam McGuinness has brought in a few new players in the close season.”

He expects another testing campaign and added: “The league will be very competitive, as it was last season.

It’s going to be a very difficult game at Lanark but we will go looking to win.”