The Three Towns outfit came out on top in a thrilling North Ayrshire derby as they defeated Irvine Victoria 5-4 to move into the League Cup last 16.

It looked as though Winton were going to have it all their own way early on Saturday with goals from Harvey Gilmour and Ewan McIver putting them two ahead early.

(Image: Caitlyn McDonald Photography)

Mikey Beattie pulled one back for the Vics shortly after, though Ardrossan were 3-1 up at the break when McIver struck his second of the afternoon.

However, a Lewis Neilson double pulled the WoSFL Third Division outfit level after the restart before McIver completed his hat-trick and Gilmour notched a second to restore Winton's two-goal advantage.

It still proved to be an uncomfortable end as Zack Toye notched to make it 5-4, but Ardrossan saw out the match to put hopes of an upset to bed.

McInally commented: "Fair play to Irvine Vics, we were 2-0 and they pegged us back to 2-1, we went 3-1 and out of nowhere it was 3-3.

"Then we went 5-3, hit the post and got one off the line, we just couldn't put them away and put the game totally to bed.

"But it was credit to them, they had a lot of fighting spirit, Ben Carson has done well with them. They've got some young talented players, and they made it a right cup tie.

"My boys showed some character, to get pegged back out of nowhere, I've got to give them credit for going again."

(Image: Caitlyn McDonald Photography)

The Winton boss feels his side are now finding some form as they made it just one defeat in their last four matches.

He added: "Recently we've been on the end of two 2-1s, Kilbirnie and Arthurlie, then Irvine Meadow beat us 3-1 and they scored in the 95th minute.

"It's been hard on my boys because they've not done a lot wrong in those performances.

"But we've won through in the Scottish Junior Cup, won through in the West, we've picked up another point in the league.

"I've now got all my players back from injury, it's no coincidence that results have picked up - two wins, a defeat and a draw in the last four - we're starting to turn the corner a wee bit.

"I'm really pleased for the players and the club, it's just a matter of picking up points in the league and we'll be alright."

(Image: Caitlyn McDonald Photography)

McInally is now hoping to keep building momentum heading into the festive period.

He continued: "There's lots to look forward to and lots of positivity in the group.

"We want to go beyond Christmas in the Scottish and the West and have a really strong end to the year.

"We want to try pick up as many points and win as many games as we can."

Next up for Winton is a home league clash against Premier Division table toppers Rutherglen Glencairn on Saturday, November 14.