ARDROSSAN Winton Rovers boss Gavin Friels has welcomed the return of key players to his squad at a vital time in the season.

After an inconsistent start to life in the West of Scotland Football League First Division, following promotion last season, the Winton Park manager hopes it can be a catalyst to an upturn in form.

Ardrossan went into their fixture against Ashfield on Saturday, September 28, with two league wins from eight matches so far - with some ground to make up to climb the standings.

And they got their mission of soaring up the table off to a superb start, as they were imperious in their 7-3 victory over the visitors at Valefield Park in Kilbirnie.

Aidan Ferris, who returned from injury last week, scored in the first minute for the second straight week to set the tone for the game, before Ashfield hit back shortly after.

Winton were back ahead with Findlay Frye scoring from the spot, with Ferris notching his second all before the interval.

Chrissy Craig made it 4-1 in the second 45, before Ashfield got another back.

However, a quickfire Ryan Wilson double, and own goal, put the game to bed before the visitors got a late consolation in the dying minutes.

Friels commented: “We were hoping to get up and running again, we’re not quite motoring yet but we’re getting there.

“We were close to a full team on Saturday and I think that shows.

“We’re a mid-table team, 100 per cent, but we should be pushing up to that top four or six – there’s no doubt in my mind.

"Saturday was a good confidence booster, the forwards were good and we were good all over the park.”