Troon FC manager Jimmy Kirkwood says the seasiders depleted squad was a factor as they fell to a 4-0 defeat against Kilwinning Rangers.

Troon travelled to Buffs Park last week for their first friendly of the season last week, however due to external factors, the travelling squad featured less than 11 first team players.

“There was an element of rust in the squad as it was our first game back.

“However, we only had 10 first team players in the squad so had to subside that with four of our Under 20’s in the squad.

“The result was not great but we will not read too much into it. “

Troon will face the buffs away again for the first game of the West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) Premier Division after the fixture list was released last week for the 2021/22 season.

It will see a return for two former buffs players, Tommy Maitland and Sam McCloskey, who made the move to Portland Park in May.

The duo missed out the friendly defeat, but Kirkwood says he think they will add an extra edge to the seasiders for their season opener.

“McCloskey and Maitland joined from Kilwinning but they did not play in the friendly as they were not available.

“I do not think they will have a point to prove against their former side because there is no bad blood there however players playing against their former teams always bring a bit of an edge.”

Alongside the signings from Kilwinning the club have also managed to lure players from other WoSFL Premier Division clubs.

In recent weeks, the club have announced winger Ben Black from Largs Thistle and defender Darren Miller from Irvine Meadow.

Kirkwood says he has been a long-term admirer of both players and believes they will both fit perfectly into the side for Troon’s second season in the WoSFL.

“Black has been a player we have spoken to a number of times over the past couple of years and he fits perfectly for how we like to play.

“Darren is a no-nonsense defender who has always been tough to come up against, so we are delighted he is on our side now. “