Lanark book their spot in last 16 of cup
Royal Albert join them after penalty win in Harthill
Lanark ................. 2 Wishaw ................ 1 Lanark United qualified for the last 16 of the Scottish Junior Cup with a narrow 2-1 replay win against Wishaw at Moor Park.
Royal Albert join them in the fourth round following a penalty shoot-out win at Harthill Royal.
But Lesmahagow were sent crashing out of the competition as Auchinleck Talbot ran out 9-1 winners in Ayrshire.
Lanark started well and in seven minutes Ian Watt failed by inches to connect with a low cross in front of goal.
Watt was then unlucky when he cut in from the right and sent a low shot across goal towards the far corner, but it hit the inside of the post before being cleared.
Wishaw took the lead in 20 minutes when Kevin-barry Grant got clear and although keeper Gareth Hallford blocked his initial effort, Grant reacted to steer the ball into the net.
Lanark pulled level in 32 minutes when Lewis Hill looked all set to score but was brought down by keeper Jordan Brown for a clear penalty, which Cammy Lawson scored.
Hallford produced a great double save to deny Chris Martin in 64 minutes.
Two minutes later Lanark were awarded a second penalty when Danny Mchugh was fouled, and Lawson again converted from the spot.
Wishaw fought hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but their shot-shy attack failed to trouble United’s well-organised defence.
Royal Albert rallied after the loss of three goals inside the first halfhour to draw 3-3, then clinched a fourth round place with a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win.
Mikey Archer pulled a goal back for Albert, Alan Campbell reduced the leeway, and then sent the last 32 tie to spot-kicks.
Simon Eeles, Fraser Stobie, Tom Forrest, Murdoch and Greg Fernie were Albert’s shoot-out marksmen.
Manager Jamie Nesbitt said: “In our half-time team-talk I told the players that they looked the better side at times, and to hold onto the ball and keep pushing forward.
“It was a great comeback after being 3-0 down. We did really well to get back into the game and were unlucky not to have won the game in 90 minutes.”
The fourth round draw was made at 4pm on Tuesday, in which all four Lanarkshire sides were drawn at home.
Scottish Junior Cup holders Auchinleck Talbot visit Blantyre Vics, while Carluke Rovers entertain Lochee United, Royal Albert host Clydebank, and Rossvale are at Lanark United.
The ties are due to be played on Saturday, November 24, with a 1.45pm kick-off.