Lochee spot-on in a Hart-stopping tie

THEY say lightning doesn’t strike twice but it almost did for Lochee United in the DJ Laing East Region Cup tie against Harthill.

Last week they lost three early second-half goals at North End and a repeat was on the cards when the Lothian side took advantage of poor home defending to hit back with two quick goals after Lochee had gone in at the interval one ahead.

This time, however, the Bluebells were able to recover and hit back, eventually winning the tie in a penalty shootout.

George Shields’ side made a blistering start with a goal in the first minute when Danny Cavanagh’s cross deceived the Harthill keeper and ended up in the net.

Lochee dominated possession but their good build-up play often ended on the Harthill 18-yard line as the visitors blocked their attempts to add to their single goal.

The Bluebells were caught napping three minutes into the second half which allowed Craig Johnston to equalise.

The home defence were culpable again on the hour mark when they allowed Johnston to pick up a long clearance and slot in a second.

Lochee then got a break in 68 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Scott McComiskie was fouled in the box.

McComiskie took the spot-kick himself and tucked it away in the corner.

Lochee looked the most likely to go on and win the tie after this but it went to penalties and, after a marathon shootout, Lochee eventually prevailed with an 8-7 victory.

Meanwhile, Violet didn’t disgrace themselves, despite going down 2-1 to Kilwinning Rangers in the Scottish Cup.

The Pansies deserved a second chance against the Ayrshire side but the hosts just edged it.

Sean Tucker was the Pansies goalscorer.

The Pansies were so short of players due to injuries and call-offs, manager Andy Heggie was forced to pull on a strip and play the last 15 minutes.

Newburgh crashed out after a 6-0 mauling by Whitburn at East Shore Park.

RESULT of the week – SCONE THISTLE continued their great run with a 1-0 Super League win at Luncarty.

Gary Sutherland celebrates the first of his two goals in North End’s win against Broughty Athletic.