Brian McGinty has vowed not to shy away from big decisions as he looks to bring an end to Cumnock’s mid-season slump.

The Townhead Park side lost 2-1 away to Irvine Meadow on Saturday – their second league loss in a row – meaning McGinty’s men have now gone five on the spin without winning inside 90 minutes.

Goals from Callum Graham with just two minutes on the clock and Connor Boyd after half an hour had Medda firmly in control at the break – and though James Dolan pulled one back in the second half, the hosts defended well to keep their lead intact.

Speaking to Cumnock’s own media team after the match, McGinty said: “Some of the goals we’ve been losing recently are just really, really poor.

“We’re going through a really tough spell at the moment – we need big characters to stand up.

“Myself and Aitchy aren’t stupid enough to think that because we were going all right at the start of the season everything was fine.

“We’re not going to be too down about it but we’ve got to get answers pretty quickly. We’re all in it together, but we need to make decisions, and we will make decisions, because this club needs to keep moving forward.”

Nock’s first chance to end their recent poor run comes at home to Hurlford this Saturday, January 14. Kick-off on Saturday is at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile, Auchinleck Talbot and Glenafton will face each other in a local derby next month for a place in the last eight of the West of Scotland Football League Cup.

Talbot secured their place in the draw courtesy of a gritty 1-0 win at home to a battling Johnstone Burgh side on Saturday, with Mark Shankland’s goal midway through the half proving the difference between the sides.

Glenafton booked their third round spot in relatively comfortable fashion after seeing off Kilbirnie Ladeside 3-1 at Loch Park thanks to goals from Michael McMullin, Sam McKee and Hugh Kerr.

The third round tie at Beechwood Park will be played on February 25.

This Saturday, Talbot are at home to Cambuslang Rangers at 2pm, while Glens host Pollok at 1.30pm.

Watch match highlights and Brian McGinty’s post-match thoughts in full at the Cumnock Juniors channel on YouTube.