Irvine Times | Sport | CERTAINLY NOT PITCH PERFECT

Published: Thursday, 21st February, 2008 12:30

CERTAINLY NOT PITCH PERFECT - BUFFS' WORRIES

WORRIED KILWINNING RANGERS assistant boss Sam McGivern has hit out at the state of the Abbey Park pitch, fearing the poor surface could damage his team’s promotion chances.

McGivern says major surgery is needed on the playing surface following Saturday’s 4-2 home win against Maryhill in the Stagecoach Super League First Division.

He told Sporttimes: “We played OK, it wasn’t our best performance, we got the victory. However I am concerned about the state of the pitch. It is rutted and bumpy and difficult to play on it and that could harm our promotion chances. I spoke to my friend, Steve Higgins, who is the head greenkeeper at Ardeer Golf Club about it and I think it needs major surgery, it has to be cut open and repaired. I am not blaming anyone for this, I don’t know why it has happened, whether it is down to finance or what but hopefully something can be done to help improve the surface.

`Our form has been better away from home but I suppose you could say the park is a leveller for both teams. I know the Falkirk manager John Hughes has been going on about the state of his team’s pitch because rugby has been played on it, but it’s not as bad as ours.”

However the Buffs number two is encouraged with the impressive run of form but a tough challenge beckons on Saturday as they travel to Greenhead Park to face form team Clydebank, who on Saturday made the Citylink Scottish Cup quarter-finals by dumping out one of the trophy favourites, Lochee United.

He said: “We had a bad run before Christmas but have picked up well and have won four of the last five games. It will be a very tough match at Clydebank as they have done very well in the Scottish and Whyte and Mackay West of Scotland Cup.

`But we must look to take the three points. The aim is promotion and we have games in hand on the teams above them but we still have to win them. We have strong competition for places in the side and Stephen Reid came off the bench and scored a couple of goals on Saturday.”

Darren Docherty (knee injury) is ruled out of the weekend game and John Traynor is struggling to make it with the same problem. Derek McCulloch broke his thumb on Saturday and will be assessed later in the week.

IRVINE MEADOW boss Chris Strain was encouraged with his team’s display as they started their defence of the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup with a 4-1 win at Whitletts Victoria in an opening round tie at Voluntary Park.

However the focus now returns to the push for the Super League First Division title as Meadow play Bellshill Athletic away on Saturday.

Strain said: “I was happy with our performance although Whitletts did well in the first half and we want to hold on to this trophy. But we will be looking to take three points on Saturday and get closer to the title. We don’t know where the game will be played as they have had problems playing on their own park but we will be looking to avenge the defeat against them at Meadow Park earlier in the year although I missed that game with flu.”

Chris Strain Junior, who has a groin or hernia problem is rated doubtful for the game but everyone else should be fit.

IRVINE VICTORIA boss Rab Madden saluted his players following the 7-0 demolition of bottom club Darvel away in the Stagecoach Ayrshire District League.

He said: “I was delighted with the win, I demanded a response the players and that is what I got. What a difference it makes when the players’ attitude is right. I didn’t think seven goals flattered us today, as I actually thought their keeper had a decent game. It was a good team performance and a confidence-booster ahead of the home match against Craigmark on Saturday.

“We have to get back on a run in the league again and the Craigmark game will be a test. I thought we were unlucky just to take a point the last time we played them. They are dangerous upfront and defensively we will have to be at our best. But our home form in the league has been good, and I will look for three points.”

Vics have a few injuries worries for Saturday and Darryl Boyd (hamstring) is a major doubt, although Lee McCrae (ankle), Brian McIntosh (foot) and Jordan White (thigh) should make it.

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