KILWINNING Rangers boss Chris Strain says his side "took it to a new level" as they rounded off an impressive week with a resounding victory.
After battling to a 1-1 draw away to Auchinleck Talbot in midweek, despite playing an hour with 10 men, the North Ayrshire outfit followed that up with a 5-0 win at home to Glenafton Athletic on Saturday.
First half goals from Danny O’Neil and Harry Weir had the hosts well placed at the break before Bryan Boylan, Ryan Wilson and Mark Lamont made it a five star showing.
“It was a good week for us, seven points from nine is a good return for us," Strain commented.
“The last-minute goal against Hurlford [last weekend] maybe gave us a platform to go into the Auchinleck game with a bit more belief.
“We were well on top of the game when we got a man sent off, then we showed a good bit of resilience to hang on for a point.
“Saturday, we just took it to a new level in terms of that energy and commitment and capitalised on Glenafton maybe being a bit short on confidence.
“We took the game away from them pretty early and it was a good day all round for us.”
The Kilwinning boss was also pleased by the manner of Saturday's victory as his side capitalised on their dominance.
Strain added: “There’s a ruthlessness that is required at this level if you’re going to get points, no one just comes and hands you points. If you’re not at it, you’ll not get what is required.
“I was pleased with everything I seen, the hunger and the intensity. It’s getting to a level where I would expect. It’s up to the boys to maintain that level.
“They went toe-to-toe with the team that has had the most plaudits at our level on Wednesday night and there’s a lot for them to take out of that.
“It’s confidence and belief, that’s probably what the boys did take out of it and we’re in a good place at the minute.”
The result took Kilwinning up to tenth in the WoSFL Premier Division standings with the Buffs now the seventh highest ranked of those expected to hold a SFA licence at the end of the season.
It means their Lowland League West promotion fate is now firmly in their hands heading into the final four matches of the season.
Strain continued: “It’s a turnaround from when we came in, we’re not looking over our shoulder and we know exactly what we’ve got to do.
“If we keep doing what we’ve been doing then we’ll be fine, but the danger is complacency.
“It’s always one game to the next, can you replicate your performance? That’s what makes you a good player.
“Emphasis will be on Pollok this week, we want to go and put on another good display in front of our own punters.”
Next up for Kilwinning is a home match against Pollok on Saturday, April 25.
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