MUIRKIRK Juniors boss Ross Cusick has heaped praise on his side for quickly getting back to winning ways.

The Burnside Park club were on the receiving end of a shock last weekend, exiting the Scottish Junior Cup at the hands of Fourth Division side Easterhouse - who triumphed via a penalty shootout.

As the West of Scotland Football League Second Division leaders returned to league action on Saturday they showed, once again, the form which has carried them to top spot.

Goals from Ethan Brew and Ryan Milne carried the Kirk into a 2-0 lead away to Maryhill on October 26.

Despite the home side getting back into the match only minutes after falling two behind, Cusick's side held on resolutely to win the match 2-1.

The result keeps them firmly atop the league table, six points clear of second placed Neilston.

“Last weekend we never got going at all," Cusick commented, "which was really disappointing - especially off the back of the Whitletts game.

“There can be a hangover from that, but I said a few months ago, no matter what division it is the teams that will do well don’t go three or four weeks without winning.

“It’s really important that we bounce back, and that’s a couple of setbacks we’ve had and we’ve managed to do that right away.

“I’m over the moon with that. It’s going to be a long winter because the games become fewer and further between.

“It’s about being as ready as you can be now and when you do go out picking up the points that are available.”

The Burnside Park boss was most happy about his side's defensive showing - as they held out the home side, who were buoyed by their goal, for the closing half hour.

Cusick continued: “Saturday was difficult conditions, it was just about getting a job done. It looked like we had it wrapped up then we concede four minutes after going two ahead.

“It always sets you up for a nervy finish but we defended really well and our goalkeeper was really good – when called upon they stepped up and seen it over the line.

“I’m really happy, it’s an incredible start we have had, the amount of points we have picked up is incredible.

“I was talking about where we were this time last year, it’s almost polar opposite, so we’re happy overall.”

The Muirkirk boss also feels his side showed another sign of a top team this weekend - winning while not at their best.

He added: “We’re grinding out results as well, which is good, even when we’re not playing well we’re getting over the line – which for me is a sign of a good team.

“Conceding completely flipped the whole direction of the game, the other team scores and they run that bit faster, jump that bit higher, and the crowd gets up – you’re going to come under pressure.

“I think there were opportunities for us to put the game to bed but it wasn’t to be – and we still got over the line.”

Muirkirk will be without a fixture this weekend before returning to action on Saturday, November 9, when they will face Caledonian Locomotive at Petershill Park, with kick off at 2pm.