IT WAS a fantastic week for Ayrshire's West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) sides, with clubs producing statement victories as the season approaches its business end.
The weekend saw a number of sides pick up three points which could prove to be massive in their title charges - with others reaching the latter stages of one of the areas biggest cup competitions.
Saturday saw the last 16 of the South Challenge Cup take place, with only two Ayrshire sides remaining in the competition which features teams from the WoSFL as well as the South of Scotland and Lowland Leagues.
However, both Troon and Kilwinning Rangers remain in the competition after a pair of fantastic wins in the knockout competition.
Kilwinning Rangers sent league rivals Shotts Bon Accord packing after a 3-2 win. The Buffs took a commanding 3-0 lead in the game thanks to a goal from Graham Boyd and a Keiren Wood double.
They were made to sweat when 10 man Shotts notched two late goals to revive some hope, though Chris Aitken's side held out to earn a quarter-final spot.
Troon FC faced what, on paper, appeared to be a tougher challenge in the form of Lowland League outfit Caledonian Braves, who travelled to Portland Park for the fixture.
However, goals from Dean Fulton, Mark Shankland and a Kyle Gilroy strike handed the Seasiders a comfortable 3-0 victory and a place in the last eight.
Back into league action and there was no shortage of big games across the WoSFL divisions.
The Premier Division saw title rivals Beith and Clydebank face off for the first time in the league this season.
Off the back of a rare league defeat the week previous, Beith showed just why they took the title last season as they marched to a 2-1 victory at Bellsdale Park.
They remain nine points behind their table topping opponents, though have five games in hand on The Bankies.
📺 All the action caught by @BankiesTV from yesterday's 2-1 defeat at @BeithJuniorsFC. pic.twitter.com/u50VGHwbOt
— Clydebank FC (@clydebankfc) February 4, 2024
There was a small matter of two East Ayrshire derbies in the Premier Division - the first of which saw Auchinleck Talbot host Glenafton at Beechwood Park.
It was an emphatic victory for Tommy Sloan's side who put in a superb display to win the match 5-2. After taking a 3-0 lead into half-time, they were pegged back to 3-2 before the hour mark though strikes from Connor Boyd and Ross Urquhart made sure that all three points remained in Auchinleck.
Meanwhile, Hurlford took on Darvel in an Irvine Valley derby at Blair Park on Saturday, with the latter side in a fine run of form.
However, Darren Henderson's men brought that run to a grinding halt with a David Syme own goal and a Michael Mullen strike securing a 2-0 win for the home side.
Into the First Division and Whitletts Victoria's perfect run under new boss Mick McCann was brought to an end by Ayrshire rivals Maybole.
The Vics, who recently lifted themselves away from last place in the league, fell a goal behind in the game though battled back to take a 3-1 lead heading into the closing stages.
Though Maybole produced a remarkable comeback to win an enthralling encounter 4-3 at New Voluntary Park.
Survival E5 ‘The Derby’ streaming now! https://t.co/nmmrflS58R pic.twitter.com/Lj7wCZNv6b
— Whitletts Victoria FC (@wvfc_official) February 4, 2024
Elsewhere in Ayrshire, there was no stopping a resurgent Kilbirnie Ladeside, who picked up another three points to continue their rise up the table.
The Blasties picked up an impressive 4-1 win away to Cambuslang Rangers and now find themselves five clear of the relegation places.
Into the Second Division and current leaders Ardrossan Winton Rovers picked up yet another three points in their bid to gain back to back promotions.
Gavin Friels' side travelled to Ayrshire rivals Craigmark, winning 3-0 and making it 11 straight victories in all competitions.
Elsewhere in the county, Bonnyton Thistle picked up an impressive point at home to title chasers Caledonian Locomotive.
Though they will be disappointed in not picking up all three points, going 2-0 ahead in the match before a first half red card saw the tide turn in Kilmarnock.
In the Third Division, Dalry Thistle earned an impressive draw against league pace setters Bellshill Athletic, drawing 1-1 at Merksworth Park.
Irvine Victoria also boosted their promotion hopes as they moved within two points of the top three places with a comfortable 4-1 win away to bottom side Kello Rovers.
While it was a tale of misfortune for Ardeer Thistle, who lead promotion chasing Vale of Leven 1-0 until the latter stages of their encounter in Stevenston - which the away side won 2-1 thanks a pair of second half strikes.
In the Fourth Division, it was a mixed bag for the three Ayrshire sides with one picking up an emphatic win while the other two faced defeat.
Saltcoats Victoria failed to progress further up the league table, after moving off last place, after a strong second half showing from their opponents saw Thorn Athletic pick up a 5-1 win.
Lugar Boswell Thistle also lost out as they were defeated 3-1 away to Carluke Rovers.
Though it was a great weekend for Eglinton FC, with the Kilwinning side cruising to victory as they won 6-0 at home to BSC Glasgow.
For the latest results and tables, visit wosfl.co.uk/index.html.
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