ARDROSSAN Winton Rovers played their final 'home' match at Kilbirnie Ladeside's Valefield Park on Saturday, October 26.

With work ongoing at Winton Park, Gavin Friels' side were forced to find an alternative venue to play their home fixtures at the start of the West of Scotland Football League First Division season.

After bringing their time in the Garnock Valley to an end with a 1-1 draw with Vale of Clyde, the Winton manager says he is pleased with where his side are at the moment.

He commented: “We’re looking forward to getting back, considering we’ve been away from home we’ve actually had a reasonable start to the season.

“We had an awkward start and now we’ve kind of turned the corner and we’re on a decent wee run – but we could be better.

“We could have had an extra five or seven points and we would be sitting top six – which I think would be fair.

“We’re not there but we will get there, and stay there, then we’ll see what happens.”

Saturday's match was the fifth without a loss in regulation time for Winton, with Friels pleased with the form his side are showing - however, he did feel that Saturday was an opportunity missed.

After falling behind on 22 minutes, Ryan Wilson got the home side level only minutes later. Despite dominating for large periods, Winton could not find a winner, to the manager's frustrations.

Friels added: “We never got started, it took us a wee while to get going. It was quite even first half then second half we came out and took control of the game.

“We were on the front foot for the whole second half and just couldn’t get the goal, it’s a bit disappointing.”

The Winton Park boss is now calling on his players to find a consistent level, and seeing how far that can take them this season.

Friels said: “We’ve got to realise we’ve just come up as well, it’s been a big jump.

“We’re punching above our weight just now, we’re not under any illusions, but I think we’ve got enough about us.

“If we are a wee bit more consistent and show more desire to get the wins we would be right in there. That’s the only bit we need to get better at.

“We just need to keep the run going, and not getting beat at all costs.

“It’s coming together nicely, if we get back to our home park and get a few wins we’ll be in a good position – we just need to keep working hard.”

Winton are without a fixture this weekend before returning to action on Saturday, November 9, when they face Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at the Kirkintilloch Sports Complex - with kick off at 2pm.