Perthshire sides are cup for a challenge
Tuesday group stage round-up from across region
Amateur football teams got their first taste of midweek football this season as the Smith League Cup group stages stepped up a gear.
Action was on offer across the region in all eight sections with clubs pursuing a place in the knockout phase of the tournament.
Tuesday round-up:
SMITH LEAGUE CUP SECTION ONE
Luncarty ASC maintained their unbeaten run with a convincing 5-1 victory, away from home, against Auchterarder.
Liam Neil netted a hat-trick for the Brownlands Park side, while strike partner Matt McKay helped himself to a brace.
Samuel Olivares netted the only goal of the game for the hosts.
Burrelton Rovers edged Division One side Jeanfield Swifts out at the Riverside, winning 3-2.
Goals for the Rovers, who finished the game with nine men, came from Gary Henderson (2) and Matt Gallagher.
For the Swifts, Scott Peletier and Marc Caldow were on target.
SMITH LEAGUE CUP SECTION TWO
Kettins have carried their strong form last season into this campaign.
They defeated Scone Thistle AFC, formerly known as Moncrieff, 5-0 on a Tuesday evening where Ryan Burke netted a hat-trick. Craig Robertson and Bruce Wands also found the back of the net.
The other game in the group saw Rattray pick up a 2-1 victory away at Kinrossie with their crucial goals scored by Leon Bert and Kris Nesbitt.
SMITH LEAGUE CUP SECTION THREE
In the group’s only game on Tuesday, Vale of Earn got their season off to a winning start with a hard fought 2-1 win against a Pole Team.
The Crieff men, who were at home, went into the break with a two goal advantage, courtesy of a Calum Fraser header and a powerful Josh Roberts strike.
But the visitors struck with 15 minutes remaining to set up an exciting finish. The Vale managed to hold on for the three points.
SMITH LEAGUE CUP SECTION FOUR
Bridge of Earn put eight past Third Division side Blair Thistle on Tuesday.
Callum McConnell, Dan Wood, Darren Rylance (2), Paddy Rylance, Paul Leask, Steven Laurie and Will Simpson were the scorers.
Sean Blyth did net a neat first half goal for Thistle but it proved to be their only of the match.
Elsewhere in the group, Breadalbane travelled to Strathearn Grove and picked up a 5-1 victory.
Danny Callaghan and Stewart Allan both bagged a brace for the Highland Perthshire side, with an own goal rounding off the scoring.
SMITH LEAGUE CUP SECTION FIVE
A Highland Perthshire derby was the only event staged in section five on Tuesday night.
And Vale of Atholl came away with the bragging rights after a hard-fought victory against Ballinluig.
Craig Swan netted the only goal of the game in the second half.
SMITH LEAGUE CUP SECTION SIX
Balmoral United netted a comfortable 8-0 triumph against Tay Thistle during the week.
Scoring for the Davie Park squad were Craig McFadden (2), Josh Kermath (2), Nathan Hamilton, Darren McDonald, Ross Murray and Davie McCauley.
SMITH LEAGUE CUP SECTION SEVEN
Letham returned to competitive action this season by defeating Wolfhill 4-1 on Tuesday.
Richard Wheeler was star man as he netted a hat-trick, with Mark Shaw also on the scoresheet at Seven Acres.
SMITH LEAGUE CUP SECTION EIGHT
Bridgeton battled well to secure a 2-1 win against Dunkeld and Birnam in section eight.
Gavin Macleod and Pete McLaren were on the scoresheet to give Bridgeton the three points.