DOUBLE hero Carlo Monti earned praise this week as leaders Kilwinning Rangers boosted their hopes of regaining the Super League Premier Division with a battling performance.

The Abbey Park side edged out Girvan 2-1 at Hamilton Park to rack up their 10th win out of 13 and increase their lead at the top of the table to six points.

Manager Chris Strain was delighted with the win and said: "We played okay and it was a good win for us. Carlo took his two goals well, although it's not the best he has played. Some people say it was a big three points but it's no bigger than any other ones."

Saturday sees Buffs make the short trip to Portland Park to face Strain's former side Troon in the opening round of the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup.

The boss said: "It should be a good game - Troon are a good side and like us they get the ball down and play. They are going well in their league and have some talented young players. But we want to win every single game so hopefully we can get through."

Meanwhile Irvine Meadow beat Beith 3-0 in a friendly at Meadowside Park on Monday night, with Eddie McTernan, Ryan Begley and Con Boyle on target.

Saturday sees them host Dalry Thistle in another Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup tie.

Boss Brian McGinty said: "I know their manager Gavin Friels well as I used to play with him on the front line at Meadow. Dalry have had some good results so so we will take nothing for granted. Hopefully we will get through."