RELEGATED Irvine Victoria are already targeting another promotion assault next season after their relegation back to the Ayrshire District League was confirmed last week.

Vics went down officially from the Super First Division ilast Wednesday when Cumbernauld United defeated Shettleston 3-2.

But despite the setback, the Irvine side put up a strong fight in their final home league game on Saturday, going down 3-2 to fellow strugglers Maryhill, who needed a last gasp penalty to seal victory.

Manager Stevie Wilson, who remains in charge, is hoping to keep most of his players and may strengthen the squad.

Wilson told Sportscene on Monday: "Of course it's disappointing to be relegated. But we have been done well in some games. We beat Yoker away and drew with and lost to Clydebank when we could have beaten them twice. On Saturday, we deserved to take something from the game. We also had two penalty claims for handball turned down in the first half and one in the second half."

He added: "The club are happy with me and I am happy with how things are going. The last few years have been among the most successful in the club's history. We have twice won promotion to the Super League. We won the title with three defeats and were runners-up with two defeats last season after Girvan had a great run. The aim next season will be promotion. I know it will be a competitive league. I have no doubt the likes of Whitletts Vics and Ardrossan Winton Rovers will be challenging. They didn't make it despite spending a lot of money.

"We will see what the budget is for next season, but hopefully I can hold on to the core of the squad and might freshen up. We will no doubt bring some guys in for the pre-season train with us."

Meanwhile Vics face a goalkeeping crisis ahead of Saturday's Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup second round tie at home to Cumnock.

Number one Chris Lamb is struggling with a knee injury which saw him miss the Maryhill match and they are unable to sign young goalie George Scott, who played as a trialist in the Maryhill game.

Wilson said: "Hopefully Chris will be okay. We rested him from training on Monday and will see how he is. It's a pity we can't sign George but it's because he played with Muirkirk earlier in the season, is registered as a Junior and the transfer window is closed. We might have to sign a young rookie if Chris doesn't make it and that's not ideal for a cup tie against a Premier Division team. But there is no pressure on us and we will give it our best shot."