THIS a big week for Lochore Welfare which could see promotion to the East Super League and also them making the knock-out stages of the League Cup.

And they showed great form on Saturday as they swept Lochgelly Albert aside in what turned out to be the Berts’ last League Cup game.

Lochore Welfare 5,

Lochgelly Albert 0.

LOCHGELLY went into this game searching for the win that could send them into the knock-out stages but ended up being well beaten (see David Wardle's pictures).

An electrifying start by Lochore put them in the box seat. In seven minutes Jamie McNeish was pulled down in the box and Joe Kinninmonth converted the spot-kick and then a minute later Logan Donaldson’s 20 yarder made it 2-0.

To be fair the Berts started to come into the game and a trialist fired over from close in.

That was how it stood at the break but on the hour the game was over when Donaldson went one-on-one with the ‘keeper and scored.

Adam Doig shot over from close in for the Berts but in 70 minutes a McNeish shot was parried by the ‘keeper and Kinninmonth tapped in and late on Adam Doig saw the Welfare go nap with a goal from a McNeish cut-back.

It means that if Welfare beat Kennoway Star Hearts, at Crosshill on Wednesday, night they will make the knock-out stages, and then it will be on to their last league match with Harthill Royal in Lanarkshire on Saturday where a win would put them in the Super League.

Said manager James Adam: “Everything is in our own hands. If we win the two games we will be through the next round of the League Cup and in the Super League.

“We played really well against the Albert and the two early goals made all the difference.

“The East Junior set-up has not made any announcement yet as to whether the top five of the South Division will be promoted to the Super League or the top four so to ensure out place we have to go Harthill and win and that will be our target.”

Berts boss Andy Healy observed: “A bad start to the game and a very disappointing performance from us.”

Ormiston 1,

Crossgates Primrose 2.

PRIMROSE survived a late bid by the home side to keep their King Cup hopes alive to make the semi-finals of the competition.

The home side started the game well and went in front in nine minutes.

But Crossgates came back strongly and had chances which were missed but they levelled in 31 minutes when right back Graeme Nutt was in the right place to score from close in.

However, within two minutes Crossgates in front when the ball fell perfectly for Darren Aitken who finished well.

But within six minutes of the second period Crossgates were down to ten men when Mark Forbes was shown the red card but the short handed village team defended solidly.

And still they made chances and James McAteer came close to a key third goal but at the end of the day the visitors were happy with their narrow lead to make the semis.

Fixtures, Wednesday Consolation League Cup, Lochore Welfare v Kennoway Star Hearts , 7.15pm. Saturday, South Division, Harthill Royal v Lochore Welfare, 2.30.