Gowfers dig deep to beat Petershill

AN under-strength Carnoustie performed heroics to make the fourth round of the Scottish Cup after an excellent battling display against Petershill.

The Gowfers were so short of players they were forced to name goalkeeper Jamie Robbie as an outfield sub and had only another two fit players on the bench.

However, Alan McSkimming’s side dug deep and pulled off an impressive 2-1 victory.

They did it the hard way as well after falling behind to a Daniel Finnigan goal after eight minutes.

But they hit back in 22 minutes when Ryan Dignan smashed i n the equaliser and then dominated the remainder of the half but couldn’t get their noses in front.

The winner came in 69 minutes when a great run on the right by Robert Urquhart saw the winger find John Roberts on the edge of the box and his shot was deflected into the top corner.

McSkimming’s men held out comfortably for the win and now face a trip to Kilsyth Rangers, who were 3-0 winners over Scone Thistle, in the next round.

Lochee United are also through but in slightly different circumstances.

They were all set for their tie against Johnstone Burgh going ahead but l ate last week their opponents advised them they were unable to raise a team.

The Bluebells were awarded the tie and will now face a fourth-round home clash against either Thorniewood or East Kilbride Thistle.

Meanwhile, Jeanfield Swifts learnt t he identity of their fourth-round opponents last weekend.

After thrashing Crossgates Primrose 6-0, Beith, the 2016 winners, will check in at the Riverside on January 20.