Kilwinning Rangers manager Chris Strain commended his injury hit squad for still leading a title charge, as they beat Rossvale 4-1 at the weekend.

The hosts started off brightly at Buffs Park, taking the lead through the penalty spot, with Thomas Collins dispatching his spot kick.

Rossvale then got a penalty of their own, which was scored by Shuggy Kerr, to level the game after just 10 minutes.

The Buffs then regained their lead through Gavin Millar to go into the break ahead.

In the second half, the hosts pressed on and got their third through Kyro Crawford. Millar then popped up again just before the full time whilst to seal the three points for Kilwinning.

Speaking to the Times, Strain said: “We are just not catching a break at the moment, if we had more luck it would be great.

“We had a few players back at the weekend including Calvin Kemp and Ben Lewis and slowly but surely players are getting back.

“We took a precaution not to play Jordan Stuart at the weekend as he picked up a niggle at training but he should be ok this week.

“Unfortunately, Collins has picked up a bit of a knock, so we could be without him and there are still four other players out.

“So, when you start mentioning all these players that are missing, then the players that are in the team and we are relying so heavily on at this moment in time deserve a hell of lot of credit.

“They are managing to keep the pace for us at the top of the table. “

One of the players who came in amid the injury crisis was young shot stopper Ewan Henderson.

Illness to regular goalkeeper Jamie Barclay led to the youth player getting his first team debut in between the sticks against the Vale.

Strain was very complimentary of the rookie goalkeeper as he tipped him to be one for the future.

He said: “Henderson came in for his debut and he did excellently for one so young to be thrown in.

“He was very nervous but managed to handle his nerves well and played well within the game.

“We have a lot of hope for him down the line.”