Kilwinning Rangers boss Chris Strain says his team are “ready” for their first league match since March and their first competitive game as a senior club.

The Buffs will embark on a new era on Saturday when they get their West of Scotland Football League campaign underway at home to Blantyre Victoria in the Premier Division – the sixth-tier of Scottish football.

Chris Strain’s side have had to wait a week longer to return to competitive action after their match against Sauchie in the Soccer Shop Challenge Cup was postponed last Saturday due to bad weather but the Buffs gaffer says that won’t impact his side.

He told the Herald: “The players are ready to go. Blantyre are a very good team and they are not to be underestimated. They had a decent result against Hurlford last week so we need to be wary of the threat they pose but similarly be ready to implement our own game plan.

“People look at last season and think we will be automatic challengers but you have to earn that right. We need to make sure that we approach the games in the same manner with enthusiasm for work, and get the fundamentals right and if we do these things correctly we will not be too far away come the end of the season.”

Beith Juniors, who also play in the Premier Division, started life as a senior club with a point at home to Rossvale after a score draw last Saturday. They face Kirkintilloch Rob Roy away this weekend.