YOKER ATHLETIC ensured their Super League status for another season with a convincing 5-1 win at home to Ardrossan Winton Rovers last Wednesday.

Mark McManus and Gary Arbuckle both returned to the starting line-up from the side which faced Maybole 48 hours previously.

The visitors took an early lead when a cross from wide on the right hand side found Paul Stewart, who nodded past Gareth Watson in the Whe-Ho goal.

The home side levelled instantly when John Harvey’s cross found Michael Bailey at the back post and the winger bulleted a header past Dylan Caddis in the visiting goal.

Caddis could then only spill a Harvey free kick and as David Crerand was about to pounce, Rovers full back Scott Houston pulled him down in the box after 12 minutes.

Kenny Marshall tucked home the penalty after Houston was dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Arbuckle and Crerand both passed up good chances, while Marshall had a free kick saved before the former eventually added the third and ultimately decisive goal on the half-hour.

The home side were now in complete control and Watson was rarely troubled as the half drew to a close.

With the two-goal cushion and the extra man, Steven Reilly’s side were able to dominate the second half knowing three points would see them safe from relegation.

Michael Bailey and Shaun Kelly both had good chances early in the second half but failed to convert. Bailey was then replaced by Greig Maitland on the hour mark as the winger continued his return from injury that has seen him start only three games all season.

Further goals were added from the strike pairing of Crerand and Arbuckle to make it 5-1 whilst substitutes Graeme Ramage and Andy Rankin should have done better with opportunities that came their way.

Maitland had the final chance of the night but his effort was saved.

Planning for next season has already started as Reilly has moved to tie down some of his key squad members while adding youngsters Andy Campbell, David Manley and Scott Smith from Antonine U21s.

YOKER ATH: Watson, Carson, Harvey, Marshall, Ross, Bissland, Bailey (Maitland), Kelly, Crerand, Arbuckle (Rankin), McManus (Ramage). Not Used: Fyfe, Cairns.