FAR-travelled goal hero Neil Slooves proved to be the hero of the Marymass Derby with a vital goal and admitted he was in no hurry to move on.

The 6ft 2 former Ayr United defender, who joined Meadow in the summer, after a 20-month spell in Iceland netted the crucial second goal – his second in two games – to help his team continue their impressive start to the new season.

He said: “Winning is a good habit to be in and it was a good atmosphere and great to have a big crowd at the game. I went a few games without scoring so it was good to hit the target. I knew if the ball went to the back post I was going to jump above the guy and get it on target.

“For now I just want to stay with Irvine Meadow and see how it goes. We have good players in every position. I just want to take each game as it comes.”

Boss Brian McGinty said: “We can’t go through the motions in any game and it was important to win.

“We wanted the bragging rights as we have quite a few local boys in the squad. I was delighted Eddie got a goal as he has worked very hard to come back from injury.

“ We look forward to the Kilbirnie game – they are a good team, Liam has them playing good football.”

Kilwinning Rangers boss Chris Strain was disappointed his side failed to take all three points at home to Hurlford United.

He said: “I felt we had opportunities to win the game and should have taken all three points.

“We are doing okay but are only focusing on the game at Cumnock on Saturday.

“They are not a bad side and their only bad result was against Kilbirnie – they lost a tight game to Glenafton on Saturday. The players are all working really hard and we look forward to it.”