SATURDAY’S list of second round South Challenge Cup ties featured all six local teams in action, with Premier League sides Hill of Beath Hawthorn and Dundonald Bluebell both securing convincing victories.
First Division representatives Crossgates Primrose and Second Division side Lochgelly Albert also progressed, while Lochore Welfare faced a narrow defeat at Leith, and Third Division team Cowdenbeath Central put up a commendable fight against Lowland League opponents Bonnyrigg Rose.
Hill of Beath Hawthorn 5 -1 Fauldhouse United
In this Challenge Cup clash at Keirs Park, Third Division side Fauldhouse United worked hard to challenge Hill of Beath Hawthorn, but ultimately the home team emerged victorious.
The hosts gained an early advantage when Jordan Tosh expertly finished a cross at the back post just three minutes into the match.
Despite Fauldhouse's efforts to limit space for Hill of Beath, the home side continued to create opportunities.
In the 39th minute, Jake Mitchell extended the lead by heading the ball against the underside of the bar before scoring as it came down.
Leading 2-0 at halftime, Hill of Beath added a third goal on the hour mark, with Tosh in the right place to capitalize on a chance created by Ross Allum.
Just five minutes later, Brandon Luke finished superbly after receiving a well-placed pass from Tosh, effectively putting the game out of reach for United.
However, credit to Fauldhouse, they persisted and managed to pull one back with a stunning 25-yard shot in the 71st minute.
Hill of Beath quickly responded, with Ross Allum scoring the fifth goal just four minutes later after chasing down a through ball and beating the goalkeeper.
Haws boss Robbie Raeside expressed his satisfaction: "It is a prestigious competition and one we want to do well in and we created a number of good chances and finished well with Jordan Tosh unlucky not to get a hat-trick."
Dundonald Bluebell 3 - 2 Pollok
Dundonald Bluebell faced a challenging match against West of Scotland side Pollok at Moorside, but they managed to secure a good result.
The Bluebell made a strong start, taking the lead in the 20th minute when Ross Drummond caused problems down the left, allowing Fin Graham to finish well after being sent clear.
Pollok responded with vigor and equalized in the 35th minute with a well-placed 18-yard drive.
The teams went into halftime level, but Dundonald came out strong in the second half, with Drummond and Jake Nicholson both coming close before Jordan Wright tested the visiting defense with a corner.
It wasn't until the 80th minute that the Bluebell regained the lead, with Drummond breaking free and scoring with a right-footed shot.
However, Pollok equalized just three minutes later with a fierce shot that found the top corner.
Dundonald maintained their composure, and in the closing seconds, Drummond broke through again, squeezing a low shot past the goalkeeper, who managed to get a hand to it, but it was not enough to keep the ball out.
Manager Jason Dair commented on the match: "Ties against West coast sides are never easy and Pollok kept coming back at us so it was very encouraging to get into the third round."
Leith Athletic 2 - 1 Lochore Welfare
In a closely contested match at Meadowbank, Lochore Welfare faced Leith Athletic, where poor marking at two corner kicks proved costly.
Leith started strong, creating early chances and taking the lead when the visiting defense failed to clear a set piece.
They soon doubled their advantage through another corner kick, leaving Lochore with a mountain to climb.
Despite having chances to pull one back before halftime, Lochore found themselves two goals down at the break.
The second half saw Lochore dominate possession, but they were thwarted by a series of fine saves from the Leith goalkeeper.
A controversial moment arose when Gregg Page appeared to be fouled by a defender who had already been booked, but no action was taken by the referee.
Lochore continued to press forward, and after a fantastic save denied Page, Ray Reddington managed to score, bringing the deficit to one.
With time running out, Lochore swarmed around the Leith goal, but they could not find the equalizer.
Manager James Adam expressed his disappointment: "We had the better of the game throughout but we gave away two avoidable goals and paid the penalty."
Girvan 1 - 2 Crossgates Primrose
Crossgates Primrose secured a morale-boosting victory in Ayrshire, advancing to the third round of the South Challenge Cup.
Girvan started strong, taking the lead in the 12th minute with a well-placed shot from a perfect cross.
However, the visitors remained composed and began creating opportunities, equalizing just before halftime when skipper Scott Hynd headed in a cross from close range.
The second half saw both teams exchanging possession and creating chances.
In the 64th minute, a corner situation allowed Hynd to score again, putting Crossgates ahead.
Girvan attempted to mount a comeback, but the Primrose defense held firm, ensuring their place in the next round.
Lochgelly Albert 6 - 4 Thornton Hibs
In a thrilling encounter at the Tap Of The Toun, Lochgelly Albert triumphed over Thornton Hibs in a goal-packed match.
The hosts took the lead just 13 seconds in when Scott Russell capitalized on a mistake by the Hibs goalkeeper, rounding him and rolling the ball home.
Thornton quickly responded, leveling the score in the 9th minute after some poor defending.
They then took the lead five minutes later with a close-range finish.
Lochgelly fought back, equalizing in the 37th minute when C J Thomson beat the goalkeeper to a through pass.
Just before halftime, Kieran Annandale scored with a perfect finish from a Geordi McKenzie assist, giving Lochgelly a 3-2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Thornton level again shortly after the restart, but Lochgelly regained the lead when Russell converted a penalty after being fouled in the box.
Russell completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute with a sharp finish.
Thornton were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute, narrowing the gap to 5-4.
However, Lochgelly remained hungry for goals, and Annandale set up Calum Bennell to head in the sixth goal, sealing a prestigious win.
Committee member Derek Patrick reflected on the match: "It was an amazing game, but we hindered our own cause by giving away a couple of avoidable goals.
"However, on the other hand we created a host of chances against a side who are doing well in the division above us, and we managed the game out well, so it was a pleasing result."
Cowdenbeath Central 0 - 3 Bonnyrigg Rose
In this South Challenge Cup tie at Venters Park, Cowdenbeath Central, a Third Division side, put up a commendable performance against Lowland League team Bonnyrigg Rose.
The match began competitively, but Bonnyrigg took the lead in the 13th minute with a well-taken goal.
Central created a few half chances but failed to find the net, and just before halftime, Bonnyrigg doubled their lead, putting them in control.
The second half saw Central defend resolutely, but Bonnyrigg, who are in the top half of the Lowland League, secured their place in the next round with a third goal in the 80th minute.
Looking ahead, Saturday’s fixtures include East of Scotland Premier League matches featuring Dundonald Bluebell against Glenrothes and St Andrews United facing Hill of Beath Hawthorn, both kicking off at 2:30 PM.
In the East of Scotland First Division, Lochore Welfare will host Thornton Hibs, while Kirkcaldy and Dysart will take on Crossgates Primrose, also at 2:30 PM.
Additionally, Lochgelly Albert will play against Oakley United, and Cowdenbeath Central will face Edinburgh Community, both at the same time.
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