Chris Strain is hoping Saturday’s dominant win at Darvel can kick-start Kilwinning Rangers’ season.
The Buffs boss hailed a ‘flawless’ performance after an Alex McWaters strike was enough to clinch victory in a clash billed as the battle of the WoSFL title pretenders.
Kilwinning had lost their opening day fixture against Blantyre last weekend and were knocked out of the Soccer Shop Challenge Cup by Sauchie in midweek.
They are up and running now and Strain is confident that this is a sign of things to come.
He said: “I was really pleased with the win at Darvel. It was a bit more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
“There was pressure there because we couldn’t let Darvel pull any further away from us, even this early on.
“Our game plan worked well. Darvel like to get the ball down and knock it about but we played with so much energy and at a good tempo that they couldn’t settle.
“I thought we were flawless. It was a very controlled performance.”
Strain insists they must use the result as a launchpad for a run of good form – starting with victory at home to winless Rossvale this Saturday.
“It’s about settling down now and guys winning jerseys and holding on to them,” said Strain.
“We’ve lots of options – not everyone can play – but it’s about getting in the team and proving you’re good enough to stay there. That’s how it has to be.
“Rossvale will be difficult opponents. They are young, energetic and a better side than their current points total suggests.
“We will have to match that energy first and foremost and take it from there.
“We have a free week the following Saturday so it’s important we come out with a positive result.”
Midfielder Ricky Hanvey returns from suspension but there are injury doubts over Ben Lewis and Tommy Maitland.
Defender Chris McGowan is another week away from returning from a hamstring injury.
