FRUSTRATED Troon FC boss Jim Kirkwood this week lamented his side's poor recent Scottish Junior Cup record as they suffered another early exit from the showpiece competition.

The Seasiders went down to a shock 2-0 home defeat against lower league Yoker in a third round tie at Portland Park, which was the only Junior match in Ayrshire to survive the adverse weather conditions.

It was their first loss since mid August when they were defeated by Irvine Meadow in the league.

The Super First Division promotion challengers had been heavily favoured to win the match against the Central First Division visitors. However it proved to be a disappointing afternoon.

Kirkwood, in his second spell as manager said: "Of course it's a disappointing to lose the cup tie as I don't remember being in the Scottish Cup after Christmas while I've been here The league is the priority but it's good to go on a cup run."

Asked what had gone wrong he said: "We had quite a few chances in the first half but didn't take them and I think the players just thought a goal would come in the second half. But we conceded two really poor goals and that made it difficult for us."

Now the Seasiders host Darvel in the league on Saturday and Kirkwood is looking for a response from his players.

He said: "Promotion is our top priority and it always has been. Like Yoker Darvel have just appointed a new manager and their players will want to inpress him. But we nede aood reaction from the players after Saturday. We are targeting three points from our next three games and must start on Saturday."

Skipper Gavin Collins (hamstring injury) is doubtful but everyone else is expected to be fit.