Dundonald Bluebell 1 Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 2

East of Scotland League

BLUEBELL boss Jason Dair bemoaned a “crazy” three-minute spell that cost his side against 10-man Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.

The hosts were on course for victory at Moorside when Sean O’Neill’s free-kick right on half-time put them ahead after visiting goalkeeper Kevin Swain was sent off for taking out Archie Campbell.

However, goals from Kevin Brown and Omar Ali in quick succession turned the match on its head, and Dair said: “I am a bit disappointed.

“I think that we were the better team over the 90 minutes, although there wasn’t too much in it in the first half to be perfectly honest.

“We went in 1-0 up at half-time and I told the players to keep their concentration, and to come out and do everything they did in the first half, but we lost two goals in three minutes.

“We had a lot of chances without working the keeper enough, and it just wasn’t to be.”

Livingston United 2 Lochgelly Albert 2

Premier League South

LOCHGELLY ALBERT warmed up for their Scottish Junior Cup trip to Aberdeen East End by climbing off the bottom of the table on Saturday.

The Gardiner’s Park side earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw at fourth top Livingston United in a match that saw both sides finish with 10 men.

A bright opening was dimmed after half-an-hour when Richie Kay put the hosts in front, but Michael Perrie’s penalty 60 seconds later after Stephen Stark was fouled restored parity.

Eight minutes into the second half, Roy Eadie was sent off for hauling down a United player at the edge of the area, and Scott Mackintosh netted the resulting set-piece to put Livi ahead again.

However, with seven minutes left, home keeper Michael Tugman was ordered off for conceding a spot-kick after a two-footed lunge, allowing Perrie to step up and secure a point.

Berts secretary Ian Patrick said: “The guys worked their socks off and deserved a share of the points.

“They (East End) won promotion last year to the Super League, so it’ll be a difficult game, but we’ll give it our best shot.”

Lochore Welfare 0 West Calder United 6

ANDY HEALY said Lochore Welfare’s performance was “totally unacceptable” after they crashed to a heavy defeat against West Calder United.

Despite opening brightly, the visitors took the lead midway through the first half through a trialist, before an own goal and another from Chris O’Kane put them 3-0 up at half-time.

Another trialist, Ewan Leonard and Kieron McParland completed a miserable day for Welfare, and Healy said: “It was totally unacceptable and the worst we’ve played in the last year and a half.

“I take full responsibility. We let the supporters, the club and the committee down and we need to bounce back and react.”

Dalbeattie Star 0 Kelty Hearts 0 

William Hill Scottish Cup

THE carrot of taking on an SPFL side is dangling in front of Kelty Hearts as they prepare to resume battle in the Scottish Cup this weekend.

Thomas Courts’ side will replay against fellow Lowland League outfit Dalbeattie Star at New Central Park on Saturday after playing out a stalemate in their first round tie.

Shortly after the match in Kirkcudbrightshire had concluded, both teams discovered that the prize for making it through will be a trip to League Two promotion-chasers Peterhead on October 20.

But, while admitting it is an exciting prospect, Courts insists his players will be ready for another tough test against a Star team that drew 2-2 in Kelty on day one of the Lowland League.

“We both know what’s at stake,” he said.

“It’s a nice carrot to represent the Lowland League against Peterhead, and take on the challenge of playing a League Two side that are among the favourites for promotion.

“We were sitting having a refreshment with Dalbeattie Star when the draw was made. 

“It’s great for both clubs but I don’t think either team will cast their eye too far ahead.

“Saturday was a typical cup tie, full of effort and commitment. 

“Both teams played quite narrow and cancelled each other out.

“We’ve got a slight advantage, being at home, and it’ll be a different team to what they encountered in the first game of the season.

“It will be a special occasion for the Kelty Hearts supporters.”

Kick-off at New Central Park is at 3pm.