WING wizard Dale Moore is hoping Troon can make a challenge for a top three spot in the Premier Division after putting Hurlford United to the sword on Saturday.

The Seasiders bounced back from their shock Scottish Junior Cup fourth round defeat away to Darvel by enjoying a 2-1 home victory against a Ford side who had defeated them in the Ardagh Glass League Cup final back in October.

Moore, who scored the second goal, was encouraged with his side's effort and manager Gordon Burns was also impressed with the way his side played.

The winger can take a lot of positives from the performance and said: "The guys were all gutted at going out of the Scottish Cup as it was a tie that we feel we should have won. We knew we had left everyone at the club down and could do better. But we worked hard in training all through the week and were determined to putt it behind us. We played really well and controlled a lot of the game. It was nice to score although I haven't scored enough and want to add to my tally. We can't look any further ahead and have to focus on Saturda'ys game away to Kilbirnie. They beat us at Troon earlier in the season and that was a disappointing result. But we beat them 4-0 away last season and are looking to win the gane.

"The league is really tight. A couple of wins could take you high up the league but a couple of defeats could leave you struggling. Hopefully we can challenge for a top three finish."

Burns was impressed with the performance and said: "The guys took everything on board and responded really well. The pleasing thing was that we had most of the chances in the game and could easily have scored two or three more goals - it just shows that if we play well we can beat anyone our our day. I was delighted with Adam Forsyth. who took his goal really well and his all-round play has improved a lot this season. It's a tight league and Kilbirnie have been going well. but we are looking to go there and win."

Meanwhile striker Sean McKenna, who has been unable to command a regular starting place has been transferred to Wishaw Juniors.

Former Troon player and ex-Ayr United Academy coach has been appointed first team coach at Portland Park.