CUMNOCK boss John McKeown insists he's not too down beat despite falling further behind Largs Thistle.

McKeown's Nock side were in cup action on Saturday and they cruised past Rossvale 3-1 thanks to goals from Paul Burns, Ray Montgomerie and Keiren Wood. But their league rivals, table toppers Largs Thistle had a won at home to Kilsyth Rangers in the league to open up an eleven point gap back to Cumnock in fourth place. But the North Ayrshire side have played four games more than Cumnock and McKeown says he's happy knowing they can shape their own fate.

The Townhead boss said: "We were a wee bit rusty in front of goal early on but that's to be expected when you play so little games. The conditions didn't help either.

"I think we just coped with the conditions better than they did.

"We were a wee bit too much for them in the end and I think that shone through."

Now McKeown turns his eye to league action the visit of Maybole on Saturday as they try to close the gap to Largs.

McKeown added: "It's still in our own hands and that's all you can ask for. If we win our games then it doesn't matter what anyone else does."

Nock have been left chasing the top three thanks to a poor start to their campaign as well as the backlog of fixtures.

McKeown said: "It was always going to take time. The boys have been great and they are working their socks off every week."

McKeown looks certain to be without Kieren Downs who picked up an ankle injury in Saturday's cup win.

Paul Murphy and Paul Quinn are doubtful for Saturday's match with Maybole as both struggle with knee injuries.

McKeown could be tempted to add to his squad to cover for the injured Downs.