FRUSTRATED Kilwinning Rangers boss Chris Strain is warning his side to sharpen up ahead of their crunch Scottish Junior Cup tie, following a "poor" weekend performance.

And midfielder Ben Lewis also says there's room for improvement following the 2-0 McBookie Premiership loss against Cumnock.

Strain said: "It was really disappointing on Saturday as I felt we lacked enthusiasm and desire and we were really poor overall."

They will be up against a visiting side who have former Everton and Portsmouth striker Yakabu in their ranks, after he joined last month on a short-term loan.

Added the Buffs boss: "Saturday's game is massive for us in terms of how the rest of our season goes.

"We must get back to playing offensive football and really get the crowd on our side. Banks O'Dee are three-times champions in the north and they are not coming here to roll over and have their bellies tickled. We can't ask for more than a home tie and it's important that we progress in the Scottish Cup."

Strain is still looking to further strengthen his squad and added: "It's a difficult time to be on the market for players as teams who are doing well are looking to hold on to their talent."

Lewis said: "We didn't play well and it was disappointing. We have been so inconsistent this season and that has been the problem. Banks O'Dee have Yacabu in their side so it will be a tough match but hopefully we can get through. It's important to progress in the Scottish Junior Cup."

Meanwhile Irvine Victoria manager Brian McLuckie says the 3-1 home triumph against Kilsyth Rangers could be a "season-defining" result.

The win was their fifth in the McBookie Championship and moves them up out of the bottom four.

He said: "We had a great attitude and played well to lead 3-0 at half-time. I told the players to keep it tight. This result could be a season-defining one for us.

"The goalie Martin McDonald, who was previously in amateur football, is playing well and we have been learning from our mistakes in previous games. I would say we have a good young team. This victory should boost our confidence and we look forward to our game at Cumbernauld on Saturday, hopefully we can take something from it."