Peter: I’m only here short term
Peter Leonard insists he is only at Girvan for the short term despite answering a call to arms with a thumping win.
The Seasiders, who head to East Kilbride on Saturday, took a big leap towards League One safety by crushing promotion chasing Lesmahagow 4- 1.
Leonard, who led Girvan to the Premiership in 2017 after back to back title successes, returned after former boss Ian Patterson was sacked.
He is in charge until the end of the season along with coaches Steven McNally, Gerry Phillips and Nicky Wilde.
A double from former Ayr and Beith striker Andy Reid, one from Craig Harvey and an injury time solo strike from Kieran Balfour were the perfect pick- me- up after a 5- 0 caning by Glasgow Perthshire forced the committee to wield the axe.
Leonard, who bossed Cumnock and Whitletts after his first spell at Hamilton Park, said: “I will always have a soft spot for Girvan and was happy to help out on a temporary basis when they asked me back.
“We will have fun between now and the end of the season and see where it takes us. Girvan are a well organised club who are looking to line up a new management team.
“There is no shortage of goals with Steven Currie, Andy Reid, Robert Love and Craig Harvey. The problem has been conceding.
“I have known Andy since 1997 and he is pure quality. One of his goals was a classy chip over the keeper while Kieran, who is a local lad, ran the length of the park and finished with a great flick.
“The Whitletts job didn’t work out for me and it was hard to take but I still have my enthusiasm.”
CUMNOCK, who have signed former Hearts, Falkirk and Dumbarton defender David Smith on loan from Stranraer, inched closer to Premiership safety with a 0- 0 draw at Kilbirnie.
On Saturday, ‘ Nock head to second top Pollok before making history next Tuesday evening when they entertain Auchinleck under the Townhead lights.
KILWINNING are still the team to catch after beating Irvine Meadow 3- 0 with goals from Ben Lewis, Carlo Monti and Calvin Kemp. Meadow have former Auchinleck duo Colin Spence and James Latta in charge after Brian McGinty quit following the shock Scottish Cup exit to Kello.
TROON entertain Rob Roy in need of safety points after crashing 3- 0 to Largs. New signing Jaime Gallagher from East Stirling made his debut but Largs struck through Ben Black, Ross
Love and Simon McBryde.
GLENAFTON, whose trip to Rob Roy was washed out, head to Irvine Meadow.
DARVEL came from behind to beat Petershill 2- 1 and seal a Scottish Cup quarter- final at home to Broughty. Former Ayr striker Roddy Paterson fired Peasies ahead but Danny Boyle and Allan Mackenzie replied.
In the Championship, WHITLETTS host Cambuslang while CRAIGMARK entertain Neilston. KELLO head to Shettleston in League One.
MUIRKIRK’S League Two title hopes took a dent after losing 2- 1 at St Anthony’s. Former Morton striker Aidan Ferris headed ‘ Kirk’s consolation.
MAYBOLE visit Thorniewood while ANNBANK go to Johnstone Burgh.
* Scottish Cup, quarter- finals on Feb 22: Auchinleck v Hurlford; Beith v Kello; Neilston v Pollok; Darvel v Broughty.