West Lothian sides enjoy success in Scottish Junior Cup ties

Nov 5 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

IT was a good weekend for West Lothian junior teams competing in the second round of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup.

Linlithgow, usually one of the favourites to lift the cup, faced a tough test when Thorniewood came to town.

But the Rose had a great start to the game when Gary Livingstone scored after only four minutes. Tommy Coyne added a second with sub Steve Manson getting their third after coming on.

Thorniewood had ex-Linlithgow player Stevie Frail sent off for a double booking.

At last a good performance from Linlithgow and one which should settle the supporters.

Manager Dave Baikie said afterwards: “It was a good win and we played some good football at times. There’s still a lot of work to do but I feel were getting there. “

Bathgate faced a potential banana skin in their game at Steelend according to boss Graeme Love but he needn’t have worried as they ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.

Jim Lister scored yet another double while Gary Fallon headed a rare goal.

Sub Derek Blaney scored their fourth to complete the rout. Boss Love said: “This was potentially a banana skin but the lads produced a professional performance to finish the job.

“I’m delighted to be in the hat for the third round draw. Now we can concentrate on the League for the next few weeks.”

There were two great results for the region’s two Premier League sides.

First Armadale travelled to Brechin Vics and hammered them 7-1 with a super clinical performance.

On the score sheet for Armadale were Scott Mauchline who opened their account, Lee Johnstone who added a double, Craig Chilton who added a double himself and another double from want away striker Robbie Feeney.

Scores like that away from home send shivers down other managers’ spines.

Manager Jim Henderson was delighted with the win: “To travel away and win in some style was great. The lads were brilliant and we got the rewards we deserved. Our away form has been pleasing.”

Fauldhouse left it late in beating Ayrshire side Ardeer, but the wait was worth it as they ran out 3-2 winners. Always in front Fauldhouse took the lead through Del Wilson but Ardeer equalised. Ally Graham put Fauldhouse ahead again, but again Ardeer equalised.

Finally in the last minute Craig Mechan took control of a throw-in and drove the winner through a ruck of players into the net. Great stuff with new signing Jamie Gallagher in place at the back.

Elsewhere in the Scottish Cup it was hard luck for Blackburn who put up a great performance in losing 2-1 at home to former winners Tayport. Andy Irvine scored twice for Tayport but Jordan Rintoul pulled a goal back just too late to get an equaliser and a replay next week.

Pumpherston went down 1-0 at home to Hurlford despite a spirited defence.

A single goal from McAvoy on 35 minutes sent Hurlford through.

The visitors missed a glorious chance in the first minute as McPhee slipped past Mathie to slide the ball goalwards, however Morris cleared the effort of the line.

Barry Wales had a great run down the wing and cut inside but his cross was gathered by the keeper.

McAvoy almost doubled the visitors’ lead but his effort slid past the post.

Pumpherston had a few efforts in the second half but couldn’t find a way past the keeper.

In 89 minutes Pumphy were reduced to ten men when the keeper brought down Bair, however Deeney’s penalty crashed off substitute Alan Ross’ bar and was cleared away.

West Calder were another side who produced a sparkling performance. Once again they were drawn away up north, this time at Fochabers. It’s strange just how often West Calder have been drawn away to the Highlands in recent seasons. Remember Burghead and Inverness City, both played away from home.

This time West Calder recorded a superb 5-2 win and there are no reports of any players not returning with the team bus.

Harthill lost 3-1 at Craigmark and there was another good performance, this time by Stoneyburn who travelled to Kilwinning and drew 1-1.

Broxburn met Carluke in torrential rain but still won 4-1 with Chris Geddes, Allan Miller and John Jeffreys getting the first three. The fourth was a terrific kick out from giant keeper Gary Maley who kicked the ball the full length of the pitch with the ball bouncing once before landing in the net.

Whitburn’s game at Sauchie was postponed early on Saturday morning due to the heavy overnight rain.

In the South Division Livingston drew 2 - 2 at Spartans.