Ardrossan Winton Rovers

Rovers boss praises team's Ardagh efforts

COCK-A-HOOP Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Derek Frye lavished praise on his team as they stormed into the Ardagh Glass League Cup Quarterfinals for the first time in nearly two decades, but then admitted promotion to the Super League was the top priority.

Last Wednesday's incredible 5-1 triumph against Kilwinning Rangers followed by Saturday's memorable 2-1 triumph against Largs Thistle saw them seal a last eight berth in the season opening competition for the first time since 1992 and they will now play Irvine Meadow or Irvine Victoria away next Wednesday night.

But before that is the big league kick off a Frye's troops host Three Towns rivals Ardeer Thistle in their opening Stagecoach Ayrshire District League match on Saturday.

Frye, who again this week rubbished speculation linking him with the Glenafton Athletic job, is encouraged with the form shown by his team and hinted they could go even further in the cup.

"It is quite an achievement reaching the Ardagh Glass quarter finals and again shows how far we have progressed although as I have said before our top priority this year is getting promotion to the Super League. I expect it's more than likely we will face Irvine Meadow."

"On paper you would think they are the favourites with the money and resources at their disposal, but we beat them earlier this year in the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup and since when have games been decided on paper?"

"We look forward to the game and if it's Irvine Vics we are playing they have also done well, making their first quarter final for a long time so that would be a test."

"Everyone is looking forward to the first legue match, but we are taking nothing for granted. This is a derby match and Ardeer will be very much up for it. Our aim is to take three points."

Quizzed about the rumours on Glenafton Athletic, who are looking increasingly likely to appoint interim bosses John Stewart and Willie Howie, Frye siad "I would like to put that rumour to bed. I am not interested in the Glenafton job and have not spoken to anyone at the club. I have a job to do here at Winton although you never know what can happen down the line, it's a funny old game."

Rovers have no injury problems for either game.

 

This article has been reproduced by kind permission the editor, Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.