TARGETMAN Eddie McTernan made a great start to the new campaign by scoring his first two goals for Irvine Meadow.

But now he is relishing his first slice of derby action at Victoria Park on Saturday and will put friendship firmly on the back burner when he goes head-to-head with former team-mate Pete Wood in an Ardagh Glass Cup tie.

Recently recruit McTernan, who bagged both goals in Saturday's 2-0 win against Ardeer, said: "I really look forward to the Irvine derby. Hopefully we can win the next two games. We are at Darvel, which is always a tough place to go on Wednesday, and then we can look forward to the Vics game. I know Pete well from playing alongside him at Bonnyton Boys Club and he was texting me the other day, saying to wear my shinguard! I also played with Graeme Anderson and Grant Boulton but we will put our friendships aside for the game and then chat again later. Hopefully we will take three points."

The striker added: "We were a bit sluggish in the first half on Saturday but improved after the break and it was great to score my first two goals."

Wood, who joined Vics in the summer will also have the first taste of the derby and said: "I have always watched the Marymass game so it will be great to play in the derby. I know a few of the Meadow guys well. I will just get on with the game and talk later. We will be looking to win the game."

Vics have signed goalkeeper Ryan McLaren on loan from Stranraer, with number one Chris Lamb currently out injured.

Manager Stevie Wilson is delighted with his team's 100 per cent record following the 3-2 midweek win at Darvel and said: "We lost a couple of sloppy goals on Wednesday but dominated on Saturday and it was great to keep a clean sheet. We are looking to beat Ardeer on Wednesday, although they will make it difficult for us. On Saturday ourselves and "Meadow might also be looking for a win to qualify so hopefully we can take the three points. I know their manager Ross Wilson well as he played for me at Saltcoats Vics and am sure he will do well at Meadow."

Kilwinning Rangers boss Chris Strain is encouraged with his team's impressive start to the season as they beat Kilbirnie Ladeside 4-2 away on Wednesday and on Saturday ran out 3-0 winners against Dalry Thistle.

Strain said: "We have started well, considering we have had a lot of players missing but we will have a few more back by Saturday.

"I felt that we didn't do ourselves justice in the Ardagh Cup last season, failing to qualify and want to get through. We are at home to Winton Rovers on Wednesday. They are a good side but we must look to win at home to a lower league team. Then we can look forward to the game at Beith on Saturday which will be a test."