FOCUSED Kilwinning Rangers player and co-boss Chris Strain Jnr is refusing to allow a complaint by opponents Lugar Boswell Thistle to derail his team’s promotion bid.

Buffs moved three points clear at the top of the District League with an easy 4-0 win away to Annbank United with the coach saying his team produced their best display of the season, But Sporttimes understand the East Ayrshire side, bossed by former Abbey Park manager George Grierson, have written to the SJFA West Region about Buffs’ team selection in the game which ended in a 1-1 draw on February 14.

The complaint is understood to centre around the fact that defender Chris McGowan was in the original team list but was injured in the warm-up and did not play.

SJFA West Region Secretary Scott Robertson confirmed the matter will be discussed at next Tuesday’s SJFA West Region management meeting, with both clubs in attendance.

Buffs will hope to escape major punishment after being deducted 19 points last season which resulted in their relegation from the Super First Division.

Strain said: “Say a mistake was made - and I don’t think for a minute that it was - and we ended up losing points, we still have five games left.” Looking back on the weekend, the player and co-boss said: “I would say that was our best performance of the season. We totally dominated and our goalie Fraser Stewart didn’t have a single save to make. We could have won by even more. It was an important result as Annbank are not a bad side and have already caused some upset this season.” Strain is now urging his team to make a final push as they aim to secure an immediate return to the Super League.

Saturday sees them heading to Dalmellington to take on Craigmark Burntonians.

Added the co-manager: “First and foremost we will focus on Saturday and can’t take anything for granted, we will approach the game like we do all the rest and aim for three points. We then have difficult games coming away to Whitletts, away to our title rivals Lugar and at home to Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Darvel and our fate is in our own hands. Our priority is to secure promotion.” Willie McLaren (groin strain) is doubtful for Saturday. But there are no other injury problems to report.

Irvine Victoria this week secured talented midfielder Kieran Paterson from local rivals Troon on loan for the rest of the season.

Co-manager Stevie Wilson believes he will be a great addition to the squad and said: “Kieran gives us height, he is very good on the ball. keeps it simple and has a great attitude. He has experience at a high level with Troon and Hurlford United.” Vics on Saturday defeated Muirkirk 5-0 in a friendly on the 3G pitch at Greenwood Academy, Ryan Singleton scoring four goals and Bruce McMaster also on target.

The Westenders host Largs Thistle in an important Super First Division match on Saturday.

Wilson added: “We drew 1-1 with Largs earlier in the season. We have been playing well in most of the home games but want to improve our results so our aim is to take three points on Saturday.” IRVINE MEADOW manager Stevie Rankin was impressed with his team’s performance as they hammered Craigmark Burntonians 6-1 in the West of Scotland Cup Second Round.

Rankin said: “It was good to win comfortably. We were 4-0 up before they got a goal back. We dominated and could have scored even more goals. We want to win the West of Scotland Cup but so does everyone else lefdt in the competition.” Medda have a vital home Premier Division game against Cumnock on Saturday, The manager expects it to be a test and told Sporttimes: “We beat them 3-2 away earlier in the season but it was a tough match. We know we have to win our last six games to have a chance of winning the league.” Meanwhile Rankin and assistant Murdie MacKinnon attended a question and answer sessions with fans at the Social Club on Friday night.

Rankin said: “It was a positive meeting and it was good to have an opportunity to meet the supporters.”