UPBEAT Kilwinning Rangers boss Chris Strain Jnr is confident his side can progress in the Scottish Junior Cup after they maintained their impressive run of form at the weekend.

But he wants them to be more ruthless in front of goal.

Buffs edged out Darvel 4-2 on penalties in a West of Scotland Cup second round tie following a 1-1 draw at Abbey Park last Saturday.

The Abbey Park side, who are unbeaten in all competitions since September 19, now host Sauchie Juniors in the third round of the national competition on Saturday.

Strain was impressed with the overall showing and said : "I thought we dominated the game, had a lot of possession, and created many chances. Darvel made it difficult for us. They sat in deep, with a lot of men behind the ball while playing with just one up front.

"We had most of the ball, though, and had enough opportunities to win the game. Their goal came from a free-kick. I've got to say, I didn't think it was a foul in the first instance and I was disappointed with the referee, but they got the free-kick. People may make the point that it is not a major decision - a free kick on the halfway line - but it gives them the opportunity to get the big guys forward. It was the only shot they had on target in the 90 minutes. In that respect it is disappointing that we had to go to penalties, but the boys showed good finishing.

"I was pleased with some of the football we played, but if we had been a bit more ruthless in the final third we could have won the game comfortably."

Kilwinning are undefeated since losing to Kilsyth on September 19, and are keen to keep that going.

The manager added: We are on a good run just now, and have a lot of big games coming up, which is pleasing."

Strain is relishing the Scottish Cup clash which is a repeat of a the clash in January 2014 which the East Coast side won 3-1.

He said: "The previous match between the two teams will have absolutely no bearing on Saturday as both teams have changed their squads from that time.

"Sauchie will consider themselves favourites as they are in a higher league, But I fancy our chances against anyone. In the past two seasons our form in cup competitions has been excellent. We have reached the West of Scotland Cup final and semi-finals of the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup and Ardagh Glass League Cup. It would be great if we could be involved in the Scottish Cup after Christmas."