ANGRY IRVINE MEADOW boss Stevie Rankin is set to appeal the red-carding of key midfielder Michael Keenan in Saturday’s 2-2 draw away to Glenafton Athletic.

But the manager was encouraged with his team’s battling qualities after a last gasp goal from free-kick specialist Mark Thomson kept their unbeaten record in the Premier Division intact. However their 100 per cent record came to and end following 10 straight victories.

Rankin said: “I was pleased we took something from the game especially since our equaliser came so late on just after they had scored. Our goalie Graeme Shepherd made some fantastic saves but he’s a good keeper and that’s what I expect him to do. Conditions were difficult and Michael just went in for challenge, there was no malice in it and I felt it should have been a booking at worst.

“Normally I don’t do appeals but I am thinking I will appeal this one as I feel we have a case. That would mean Michael was free to play in Saturday’s game against Kilbirnie.” The manager is encouraged to see his team in top spot going into Christmas but cautions that a lot of work has still to be done.

He said: “Of course it’s good to be at the top of the table but there’s a long way to go. We have just played 11 games and a lot of tough matches are ahead.” The manager is looking forward to the Kilbirnie match but the teams will be hard pushed to match the game in mid-October which saw Meadow run out 5-3 winners.

Rankin said: “Kilbirnie are a good footballing side and it will be a tough game but we are going out to win it.” Meanwhile Meadow fans have been given a boost with the news that striker Paul Maxwell could return sooner than expected after going through knee surgery.

Rankin said: “Paul had a repair on his cartilage and hopefully he will be back playing with us before the end of February which will be a huge boost for us.” IRVINE VICTORIA co-manager Stevie Wilson was encouraged with his team’s showing, despite going down 1-0 away to Shettleston in the Super Premier Division.

He said: “I felt we were very unlucky to take nothing from the game, we deserved something as we played very well overall. Their goal came just two minutes from time when a shot came off Steven Gregory, but he knew nothing about it and wasn’t to blame.

“We had good chances - Robert Burgess had a header from a corner saved and Kevin Adam hit the post as well as some other half chances. If we keep playing like that the results will come.” Vics on Saturday host a high-flying Maybole side who defeated Ardeer Thistle 5-2 on Saturday and expect a tough test.

Wilson said: “They will be after revenge as we beat them down there a few weeks ago but we are going into the match looking to win it.” KILWINNING RANGERS on Saturday host Whitletts Victoria after the Abbey Park’s scheduled Ayrshire District League match at Girvan fell victim to the weather.