ANGRY Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Stevie Wilson has called on junior bosses to scale down the crowded fixture list after admitting fatigue was a factor in their opening weekend league defeat.

Winton went down 1-0 away to Lanark United in their first League One match.

But although concerned about scheduling, the boss has still told his players they must improve as they gear up for three successive home fixtures.

They host Greenock tonight (Wednesday) before welcoming Shettleston to Winton Park on Saturday, while Bellshill Athletic visit seven days later.

Wilson said: “I don’t want to start making excuses but the league cup fixtures are all played in a very short space of time.

“The players have very little recovery time and they’re getting ready for another game. They wanted fixtures played on Saturday, Monday then Wednesday.

“We had to move one of our games to give the players a bit more recovery time. We also had to cope with eight or nine injuries during the cup campaign.

“Why are the games not played say Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, that gives all the players more time.”

Meanwhile on the park Wilson is looking for his team to hit their stride in the next few games.

He said: “It wasn’t a great game on Saturday - like us the Lanark players were a bit leggy after the league cup,

“But in saying that I had a chat with the players on Monday and I told them we have to better.

“We are in a very competitive league.

Now the focus in on the Greenock match and we must look to take three points.

“After that we can start thinking about the next ones but we have three in a row at Winton Park and must make the most of home advantage.”

Meanwhile Wilson’s former co-boss at Saltcoats Victoria and Irvine Victoria, Iain McMillan has made a return to Campbell Park to take over the managerial reins at the Seasiders.

He said: “Having previously spent six seasons as a player, and three seasons as manager it feels great to be back at Saltcoats Vics. It’s the start of a new journey for the club and there’s a lot of hard work to be done.

“Off the park the committee are always looking for new sponsors or a helping pair of hands, and on the park we’re always looking to increase competition among the squad.”