Colin Spence admits Irvine Meadow were far from their best in Saturday's 2-1 win against Bonnyton Thistle – but insists three points was all that mattered.
Goals from Kinlay Bilham and Connor Boyd cancelled out Dean McColm’s early breakthrough for the visitors to clinch a hard fought Premier Division victory at Meadow Park.
Co-boss Spence conceded his side made heavy weather of it against bottom dogs Thistle for the second time this season but reckons they did just enough to merit a win.
And he insists it’s a result that could go a long way to securing Meadow’s top flight status for another season.
He said: “It was a scrappy game and not one for the purists you might say but it’s a massive three points for us at the end of the day. We’ve played better and lost this season.
“I’d seen enough of Bonnyton in the last game against us to be wary of them. They beat Glenafton a few weeks ago too so we knew it was always going to be difficult.
“I think the fact that they are already relegated means the pressure is off them a little bit and they are now playing for pride which makes them dangerous.
“It was really important to win because there are a number of teams below us just now who have started to pick up results and go on wee runs.”
Spence is expecting a similarly tough afternoon when relegation-battling Kilbirnie visit Meadow Park this Saturday.
The Blasties have improved dramatically under co-managers Thomas Molloy and Sean Dillon since Meadow beat them 3-0 in the reverse fixture back in October.
Spence said: “They’ve got a lot of good experienced players and they are probably starting to run out of games so they’ll be coming to us desperate for the three points.
“We just have to focus on ourselves though. That’s us won four out of four at home in the league this year and we want to make Meadow Park a harder place to come to.
“Another win on Saturday and we could jump a few places in the table. The top six is certainly something we’re still aiming for.”
Spence is also buoyed by having almost a fully-fit squad at a crucial juncture in the season.
He added: “You need a squad at this time of year when midweek games come back into the equation.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
