Irvine Victoria started off their West of Scotland Football League campaign with defeat on the opening day.

The Vics fell to a 2-1 defeat to Whitletts Victoria at Victoria Park, with and own goal from Irvine’s Jamie Donnelly and one from Whitletts’ Scott Dempster, while Ben Kellington was on target for Irvine.

From the kick off Whitletts dominated proceedings and Chris McGowan saw his early header from a corner well stopped by Irvine keeper Chris Taylor.

McLaughlin himself was unlucky when he couldn’t quite connect with a long pass from Cammy Ross, but the early goal the visitors were

seeking came in the sixth minute. Some great play by Ross down the right wing and his cross into the box was headed past his own keeper by Irvine skipper Jamie Donnelly.

A second looked likely for the Ayr side and it came in the 31st minute.

From an Irvine throw in, Boyd cleared and Scott Dempster got in behind the Irvine defence to race clear and slip the ball past the advancing Taylor to score his first competitive goal for the club.

Ben Kellington pulled one back for Irvine just before half time after a composed finish after finding himself one on one with the goalkeeper.

The second half ebbed and flowed with chances for both sides, but neither were able to capitalise on some good play and it was

Whitletts who began their campaign with three points.

Irvine manager, Dougie MacDuff said he was proud of his players’ efforts, was looking forward to getting back out on the pitch on Wednesday and he’s still looking to add a few extra bodies to his squad.

He told the Times: “I can’t fault the effort from the players one bit. A few of the boys haven’t played at this level before but I think they gave a good account of themselves. Obviously the more they play then the more comfortable they will get.

“There are loads of coming in a short space of time. The game on Wednesday against Craigmark will be another tough game but we’re looking forward to it.

“We’re still trying to add another few bodies to the squad to cope with demand. We want competition for places.”