PREMIER Division newcomers Girvan FC had to work hard to "grind out" their first league win.

That was the claim from manager Peter Leonard, following the hard-fought 1-0 victory at home to Hurlford United.

It was a good way for the Seasiders to bounce back following their 5-0 defeat away to Highland League high.flyers Brora Rangers in the William Hill Scottish Cup First Round.

Leonard said: "We spoke to the boys after the Brora game and they knew it was a different level of football. I spoke to the Hurlford boss Darren Henderson at the game and he told me they played a Highland League team in the Scottish a few years ago and although they won it was a very difficult game.'"

He added: "It was a good win and should give us confidence. We had drawn three games before that and had only one bad one against Kilwinning which we lost 5-3.

"We had other chances - through Michael Reilly in the first half and Jack McDowall in the second.

The boss was delighted his game plan worked.

"We played on the counter-attack which you have to do with our resources, soaked up the pressure, scored and won the game and it was a good goal from David Cunningham.We had to grind out the result, " he added.

Saturday sees Girvan hosting form team Kilbirnie Ladeside.

Leonard said: "I know their manager Budgie McGhie well and they are off the back of a great result, beating Beith who had won their previous five league games That shows youy it is an open league. It I'll be difficult but we will look to take all three points."

John Frame could still be out injured, but Steven Auld and John Frame should return.