Threave Rovers 0 Hill of Beath Hawthorn 2

William Hill Scottish Cup

HILL of Beath Hawthorn created history on Saturday as they progressed into the first round of the William Hill Scottish Cup for the first time.

Kevin Fotheringham’s side saw off the challenge of South of Scotland League Threave Rovers in their second preliminary round tie to book a date with Lowland League Gretna 2008 on September 21.

A win over Blackburn United at Keirs Park in the previous round set up this trip to Castle Douglas and, although their manager felt his team could have played better, they still had enough to clinch a momentous victory.

Joe Kinninmonth settled Haws’ nerves in the 26th minute when he bundled in from close range. In the final minute Regan Lumsden tapped home from six yards to seal the win.

“It is a massive thing for us. When we went for the (SFA) licence, playing in the Scottish Cup was a big carrot,” Fotheringham explained.

“My personal target was to reach round one, and anything else is a bonus. It’s a tough tie, but it is winnable. We defended well and looked solid at the back. We lost a few goals earlier in the season, but we’ve only lost three in our last five games, and one of those was a dubious penalty.”

Up next is a Premier Division derby at Crossgates Primrose, and Fotheringham added: “I realised the other night I played in the last league match with Crossgates about 20 years ago!

“It’s a big game for everybody, especially for Crossgates, who have done really well to get where they are. I know Alan and Ally (Campbell, Primrose’s management team) well, and there’s already a bit of banter flying around.

“It’s an important game as we want to try and shoot up the table.”

 

Crossgates 3 Blackburn Utd 1

Premier Division

PRIMROSE boss Alan Campbell hailed the influence of veteran hitman Chris Templeman after his side racked up a third successive victory.

The former Pars, Morton and Forfar hitman scored his first goal since joining the Humbug Park outfit last month as they defeated Blackburn United to climb to mid-table in the Premier Division.

Templeman headed the home side ahead seven minutes before half-time in a keenly-fought contest, only for the West Lothian visitors to level through Danny Campbell just after the hour.

However, from the restart, Scott Lawrie put the hosts back in front before Ryan McDonald sealed the points 12 minutes from time, lifting Crossgates to eighth in the table.

“There were a few eyebrows raised when he (Templeman) signed,” Campbell said. “He had a few offers to stay in league football, but he’s done us a favour by signing for us and he’s been brilliant so far.

“His experience and attitude rubs off on the younger ones. When he’s talking or has anything to add, the young boys tune in and listen, and he’s also very humble.”

On the clash with Haws he said: “It will be very difficult – they’re a really good team – and with Hill of Beath, there will be no shocks or surprises, and they’ll be the same with us.”

 

Lochgelly 2 Whitburn 2 (3-5 on pens)

East Region Cup

ANDY HEALY believes his team can take “massive positives” despite suffering an agonising spot-kick exit in the East Region Cup.

The Lochgelly Albert boss was full of his praise for his players after they took Super League opponents Whitburn all the way in a thriller at Gardiners Park.

Shaun Hunter made “two or three world class saves” in the opening quarter of an hour, before Sami Mitchell almost gave the Berts a lead after rounding the goalie, only to see his shot blocked on the line.

Three minutes before the break, Martin Russell gave Whitburn the lead before Lochgelly’s Declan Boyle hit the bar with a header.

Adam Haddow smacked a 30-yard strike just wide and with 20 minutes left, James Gunn equalised when he beat two opponents before finding the bottom corner.

Gunn was denied by a smart save soon after and four minutes from time Pat Armour headed home Ryan Hughes’ corner.

But, in the 89th minute, Lochgelly couldn’t clear and Dewi Taylor took advantage to grab a dramatic equaliser. A stoppage time penalty appeal for a challenge on Gunn was waved away and the match went to spot-kicks, in which the hosts lost out 5-3.

Healy said: “To be fair to Whitburn, every penalty found the bottom corner; it was a bit like Germany in a penalty shoot-out.

“In the final minute, James Gunn swivels in the box and is brought down. Even their management thought it was a penalty, but we didn’t get it.

“There are massive positives there. That’s two really good performances back-to-back, it was gritty and tactically the boys were superb. We’re starting to play well.”

 

Blairgowrie 3 Lochore Welfare 1

East Region Cup

LOCHORE Welfare were knocked out of the cup after Blairgowrie struck twice in the final 20 minutes in a keenly-contested match at Davie Park.

James Adam’s Super League outfit fell to their North Premier League opponents despite fighting back from a one-goal deficit.

The Crosshill side had a golden opportunity to take an early lead when Ethan Anderson, with the goal at his mercy from just four yards, somehow contrived to hit the goalkeeper.

An attempted pass by Greig Renton back towards goalkeeper Ryan Couser was intercepted by Darren Neave, who slotted home to give the hosts the lead.

Renton made amends when he fired home a superb 25-yarder into the top corner but with 20 minutes to go, Ian Plenderleith put Blairgowrie ahead. Matty Adam added the third on the break.

Adam said: “It (Blairgowrie’s first goal) was harsh on Greig to be fair as he was our best player. We pushed and pushed for the equaliser but, then deep into stoppage time, they broke away and made it 3-1.”

 

Saturday’s fixtures (ko 2.30pm unless stated): Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup - Kelty Hearts v Solihull Moors (3pm). EoS Premier Division - Crossgates v Hill of Beath, Dundonald v Sauchie Juniors. South Super League - Lochore Welfare v Kennoway Star Hearts. South Premier League - Lochgelly Albert v Linlithgow Rose.