IRVINE Meadow co-boss Colin Spence said his side were “a different animal” this week compared to last, after their impressive victory over Clydebank.

Medda travelled to Holm Park off the back of a 3-1 defeat to rivals Kilwinning Rangers last weekend, though they are still in limbo over what will happen after the Buffs fielded an ineligible player in that match.

Those thoughts were put to one side though, as a rampant first half put Medda on their way to solid 3-2 win.

In a dominant first half, where Spence’s only complaint was “that we weren’t more ahead”, a spectacular 15 minute spell made all the difference in the tie.

Medda frontman Callum Graham completed a hat-trick in this time, which was ultimately enough for all three points.

He got his first when Bankies ‘keeper Donnelly was unable to hold a tame effort from Boubekri, he dropped the ball at Graham’s feet and he made no mistake, prodding the ball home.

It was two only a minute later when Connor O’Donnell nicked the off Matt Niven, before slotting in Graham who slide the ball coolly past the onrushing Donnelly.

He completed his hat-trick on 41 minutes after chasing down a simple long ball, showing great strength to hold off the centre back, before lobbing the ball over the Bankies goalkeeper.

Medda went in 3-0 up at half time, and were made to work in the second half when Jamie Darroch’s penalty and Josh Weir’s late goal got the Bankies back within a goal with around ten minutes to play - but the Irvine side held on.

Co-boss Spence was delighted with his side, even after they were forced to work to secure the three points in the second half.

He said: “We didn’t play half as well last week as we did on Saturday, we looked like a different animal.

“I sensed a bit of determination from them throughout the week, they worked really hard and I think they had a point to prove at the weekend and they done that.

“The back boys and the midfield got a real test, they had to stand strong and defend their box and they done that really well.

“Though I would have preferred to go up the park and score a fourth and seal it, it was also great to see them get that test and see if they could stand up to it.”