MIDFIELD ace Ben Lewis is to be honoured with a testimonial by Kilwinning Rangers after 10 years at Abbey Park.

Proceedings will kick off with a game on Saturday, July 22 and it will feature a team selected by Lewis and featuring past and present players against a Kilmarnock FC Select. The player has connections to Rugby Park and took part in a trial when Kenny Shiels was manager.

The 27-year-old, who is a hometown boy is looking forward to the big occasion and said: "It's a great honour to be recognised with a testimonial. I have enjoyed my time here and would like to think I still had a lot to offer to the team. I get on really well with the players. One of the people definitely in my team will be Ian Cashmore, who used to play alongside me. I was coached by his dad, (the late Ian Cashmore senior) before I came to Buffs and really learned a lot from working with him. It's great that Killie are sending a team although we don't know at this stage who will feature."

He added: "Other events will be held throughout the year and details will be confirmed soon. "

Reflecting on the season just past, Lewis added: "We have a good team and came up just short in the league, but at least we had some silverware with the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup.

Meanwhile Irvine Meadow boss Brian McGinty has this week brought in three new players, as four move on.

Coming on board are goalkeeper Mikey White, who was last at Queen's Park and previously played with Petershill and Arthurlie. They are joined by strikers Ciaron Smith, previously at Maryhill and Andy McLaughlin from Kilsyth Rangers.

Leaving are striker Con Boyle, midfielder Ben Black, defender Stuart Hannah and goalie Craig Gordon.

McGinty, gearing up for what will be his first full season in charge. said: "Mikey is an experienced goalie but will have to fight for the number one jersey with Shaun Newman, who played very well for us last year.

"Ciaron and Andy are both good young strikers, who know their way to goal and Andy played very well against us for Maryhill a couple of times last season. It's important to strengthen the squad and we wish Con, Ben, Stuart and Craig all well."