UNLIKELY goal hero Craig Pettigrew is hopeful Kilwinning Rangers can blast into the semi-finals of the Macron Scottish Junior Cup following Saturday’s goal fest at Abbey Park. Buffs defeated Fifers Thornton Hibs 6-2 to clinch a quarter-final berth. Defender Pettigrew scored the vital equaliser after Hibs had taken the lead when play resumed following an injury to referee William Wilson, who needed treatment and had to be replaced.

He said: “I don’t score many. I think the goalie thought it was going to the far post but I cut it into the near post. “That brought us back into the game. We took it to them after the break following the injury to the referee. “It’s great to be in the quarter-finals. But when we turn it on we have every belief we can do it.

"We have knocked out good teams like Beith, the West champions and also Banks O’Dee the north champions, who fancied their chances but we turned them over.”

Added the twice former cup winner with Auchinleck Talbot: “Whoever we get will just have to look forward to it and hopefully we will prevail. “With that result we will hopefully get a bit of confidence as we have had a poor run in the league. We must get more consistent. When our front four are in form no defender wants to play them.” Ryan Nisbet who scored twice cautions improvement is needed. He said: “The stoppage helped us as we came out of the traps absolutely flying, we were confident in our play and game plan. “We have done really well in the Scottish Cup but want to pick up a few league wins. “We just take it a game a time but anyone can be with a chance in the Scottish Cup.” Boss Chris Strain said: “The boys worked hard, protected each other and looked solid. The goal came at a bad time from their first attack and we have to put that right. There was a maturity about the performance. We scored some great goals, turning defence into attack very quickly. “Before the equaliser, we were well on top. But we must find some consistency in our play, we need to carry form in the league games.” Irvine Meadow boss Br ian McGinty praised his side as they took their points tally to 31 from the past 13 games after a 3-0 win against Petershill. He said: “It’s been a great turnaround when you think we were third bottom of the Super First Division a year ago.

“Reece Pearson had a great game but it was a real team effort. We must aim to take as many points as we can