WITH the Premier League now completed the big story from the weekend was Crossgates’ League Cup second round tie with Penicuik Athletic on Friday night.

Fans crammed into Humbug Park for what turned out to be a ding-dong battle while Lochore Welfare were in the Borders and trying to secure their spot in next season’s First Division.

Crossgates Primrose 4

Penicuik Athletic 3

(after extra time)

THIS League Cup second round tie attracted well over 100 fans to Humbug Park and they saw an old fashioned thriller.

Crossgates made a great start to the game and had the Athletic, who had a fine league season and only lost the title to Tranent on goal difference, on the defensive.

But they could only hold out until the 20th minute. A cross into the Penicuik box was met by Brian Ritchie and his fine header flew into the net.

Seven minutes later it was 2-0. A good move saw Mark McKenzie find the net from close range and there were other chances for Crossgates to pull further ahead in an excellent first half display.

However at the break just two goals separated the sides and Athletic launched a second half fightback.

On the 50th minute mark they pulled a goal back and, as the Crossgates’ defence began to wobble, Penicuik pulled level on the hour.

All the momentum that was with the Fife side in the first-half had evaporated and Athletic looked on course for victory when they took the lead with a neat finish.

Primrose had to regain a hold of the midfield area and they started to create chances again.

Penicuik's defence stood firm and it looked like something special would be needed to take the game to extra-time.

Luckily for Crossgates it duly arrived with four minutes left.

A foul 25 yards from goal gave Archie Campbell the opportunity to fire an amazing free-kick over the defensive wall and past the helpless goalkeeper.

The first period of extra time produced few openings for either side and it took until the 118th minute for the teams to be separated.

The Athletic defence failed to deal with a low cross and the ball fell to Calum Smith, who rifled a low shot into the net to clinch the game amid wild scenes of delight among the home fans.

Hawick Royal Albert United 1

Lochore Welfare 1

THE Welfare had a tremendous early Spring run in Conference B which seemed to guarantee them a place in next season’s East of Scotland First Division, but continuing injury issues has left the team struggling for results.

So they headed for Hawick needing a point to secure their spot in the second top tier, again a little short of their best players.

However, Lochore started the game well and created several good openings with Lee Celentano twice seeing the Hawick goalkeeper defy him.

The bottom of the table Borderers were fighting hard and defending with resolution, and the Welfare were struggling to break through.

Then the match turned in favour of the hosts when they were awarded a penalty, which was converted, and again Lochore were playing catch-up.

They kept working hard and in the closing minutes, after a good move, the equaliser came when Ewan Sutherland netted to earn the draw they needed.

Welfare are on 45 points in sixth place, four clear of Heriot Watt University who are in eighth place with one game left.

Manager James Adam was delighted that the Lochore target was reached: “We had so much of the game but missed a few chances.

“The penalty award for Hawick was a bit soft and it left another wee mountain to climb, but we kept working hard and got the result we needed.

“Now we can enjoy our last game this coming Saturday, at home to Peebles Rovers, and look to finish a good season with a win.”

Lochgelly Albert 2

Stirling University 1

A GOOD Conference B win for the Berts, against the mid-table students, which gives them a chance to move up to 12th spot in the table.

Lochgelly started the game well and they grabbed the lead when Sean Johnstone sent a good ball into the Uni box and Lucas Reilly guided the ball into the net.

Then Johnstone went clean through, but as the goalkeeper advanced he shot wide, and four minutes from the break a defensive error let Stirling score and go in at the break level.

The second period saw Lochgelly in charge but a couple of bad misses kept the students in the game, although they seldom threatened the Berts’ goalie Darren Kay.

With seven minutes to go a Johnstone corner was knocked out of the Stirling box, where Craig Anderson latched onto the ball, and his cross back into the box was headed home by Lee Celentano to clinch the win.

The result takes the Berts on to 20 points, in 13th spot, and a point from their trip to high-flying Preston Athletic this weekend in their last game could see them jump a place ahead of Peebles Rovers.

Lochgelly committee man, Derek Patrick, felt it was a deserved win over Stirling: “We had the better of the chances throughout the game but missed a few.

“The lads kept at it and got the winner they deserved.

"This Saturday’s trip to Preston Athletic could see them win the Conference B title, but it puts pressure on them and our aim is get a result to improve our place in the table.”

Saturday’s fixtures: Cup Winners Shield, Crossgates Primrose v Nithsdale Wanderers; Conference B, Preston Athletic v Lochgelly Albert; Lochore Welfare v Peebles Rovers. Al kick-offs 2.30pm.