COLIN SPENCE admitted he went from despair to joy in the space of two minutes on Saturday as Irvine Meadow edged their derby match against managerless Kilwinning Rangers.

A scrappy affair at Buffs Park burst into life in the closing stages, with Ricky Hanvey hitting the post with a penalty on 87 minutes before Mark McLennan converted a spot-kick of his own moments later to earn Medda all three points.

The Buffs started with a slightly different look to their side, including a trialist and under-18 player, starting the match, as caretaker boss Mark Campbell looked to keep the Medda management team guessing.

That would prove a challenge for Colin Spence and James Latta, who had spent time preparing to face a different Kilwinning team which was seen under the recently departed Chris Strain.

Spence admitted that “the first half was very scrappy” and neither side really managed to grab a foothold in the game with little falling either way in terms of chances.

After the break Buffs endured a tough 20 minute spell, with Spence feeling Medda “deserved to nick a goal”.

But Kilwinning had chances of their own, with trialist Jamie Gilmartin spurning the best of these as he headed over from the angle after a Gavin Millar free-kick.

But with a goalless draw looking likely Kilwinning were handed a golden chance to grab the points three minutes from time after Jared Willet handled inside the box - only for Hanvey to hit the woodwork from the spot.

And in the 89th minute sub Keir Milliken was cleared out by Buffs’ keeper, earning the visitors a penalty which McLennan stroked home to compound the hosts’ agony.

Talking to the Times after the match, Spence said: “One minute you think you’re losing the game, two minutes later Mark McLennan steps up and he stays composed, puts it away, and we end up getting the three points.

“I’m absolutely delighted to win the derby. That’s us won two out of the last three.

“It’s always good to get the bragging rights.”

Irvine Meadow's next match will see them face off against Largs Thistle, at Barrfields Park, at 2pm on Saturday April 23.