CAUTIOUS Irvine Meadow manager Stevie Rankin is warning his struggling side they will have to be at their best to overcome East Coast side Blackburn United in the third round of the Scottish Junior Cup on Saturday.

Meadow go into the match on the back of four successive league defeats and were out of action on Saturday after their scheduled West of Scotland Cup tie away to Johnstone Burgh was called off owing to a waterlogged pitch.

Under-pressure Rankin is not underestimating the task but relishing the challenge and told Sporttimes: "Myself and Murdie MacKinnon (the assistant boss) took in Blackburn's game on Saturday and they won 2-1 against Stoneyburn. It won't be easy as they have a couple of good strikers and are strong at the back. It's a massive match and we are looking to win and reward the fans. There's no lack of confidence at training If we can ge through hopefully that will be a catalyst for our revival.

Meanwhile winger Gary McCann feels under pressure Rankin is being unfairly criticised.

He is backing the boss to turn things around and said:: "Some people on social media have said their should be a change of manager but that is not the answer. I have worked with Stevie for six years and he is a great boss. The players have to do better. It's our biggest game of the season on Saturday and hopefully can go through. and we will turn things around."

Irvine Victoria boss Stevie Wilson was pleased with his side's display as they blasted back to win 2-1 at home to Ardeer Thistle.

He said: "We showed battling qualities with two good goals and it's good to keep our unbeaten run going. It will be tough at Dalry on Saturday but we are looking to win."