WORRIED Troon FC skipper Dean Keenan is warning his side they will have to win three of their last four games to beat the drop after defeat against Kilwinning Rangers left them struggling to survive.

The Seasiders lost 3-0 at Abbey Park, leaving them in third bottom spot in the Super Premier Division. They are just a point clear of Largs Thistle, who have a game in hand and three points ahead of weekend opponents Buffs, who have played three games fewer.

Keenan said: "It was a very disappointing result on Saturday in a very important game. I wouldn't say we lacked desire, but we lacked belief. It has been a very poor season for us. We have won only three league games and I wish the win against Glenafton had been in the league rather than the West of Scotland Cup. We have four cup finals coming up, against teams who are chasing the title - we play Beith at home and Auchinleck Talbot, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Glenafton Athletic away from home and we will have to win three of those to have a chance of staying up. We have made it very difficult for ourselves. But hopefully we can do what we need and stay in the league. Myself and the rest of the players owe it to the fans and the management team as we didn't play well on Saturday."

"It's a pity we don't have a game but we this always happens this time in the season as we are victims of our success getting so many games on over the winter."

Manager Gordon Burns, who missed the game through work commitments, admits his side face a tough task if they want to secure their future in the top flight for another season.

He said: "I was briefed on the match and from what I understand there seemed to be a lack of desire. We didn't have a game for a couple of weeks but that is no excuse. We know it's a big ask given the position but the target is to stay up. There are still 12 points to be played for."