Switch of venue for cup tie pays off as West End progress

Forfar West End’s decision to switch their Scottish Junior Cup tie with Shotts Bon Accord to Station Park’s artificial pitch paid off as they defeated the 2012 winners 4-2.

However, it didn’t start well for Daryl McKenzie’s men as they were trailing to a Danny Burns strike after only four minutes.

Undeterred, they levelled midway through the first period. Mark Percy was brought down in the penalty box and converted the resultant spot-kick.

A 30-yard strike from Robbie George put West End ahead on 35 minutes and, 10 minutes into the second half, Andy Walls doubled West End’s lead.

With 20 minutes left, Bon Accord got a foothold back in the game courtesy of a second Burns strike.

But Walls’ second of the match, eight minutes from the end, ensured they join fellow Courier Country clubs Jeanfield Swifts and Kennoway Star Hearts in round four.

All the other ties involving East Region clubs were postponed and are now scheduled to be played next Saturday.

With temperatures forecast to rise, hopefully all the outstanding ties will go ahead.

Meanwhile, in the only other Scottish tie to beat the weather, holders Glenafton were knocked out 1-0 by Kilwinning Rangers.

Kevin Watt’s last-minute goal decided the encounter, which had been switched to Petershill’s plastic pitch.

On this side of the country, New Countess Park was an oasis in winter’s grip, enabling Dunbar United and Thornton Hibs to play their Premier Division fixture with conditions underfoot near perfect.

It finished 1-1, so the Fifers extend their undefeated run in the league to four matches and move up to seventh.

The hosts missed a golden opportunity to take the lead after 25 minutes when Dean Ballantyne was brought down in the box but slammed the penalty off the crossbar.

Two minutes into first-half stoppage time, Shaun Keatings played a one-two with Raymond Crichton before curling the ball around Liam McCathie to put Hibs ahead.

However, they were pegged back just after the hour mark when Chris Moffat shot home at the back post.

A couple of friendlies were also played.

At the New Fleet grounds in Rosyth, Premier League Musselburgh walloped South League Oakley 9-1.

Matti King netted a treble, with Stephen McDonald claiming a double hat-trick.

Meanwhile Crossgates Primrose took refuge indoors to play Heriot Watt at Oriam and edged an entertaining game 4-3.

On target for the Fifers were Allan, Pearson, Ali McDonald and McNeish.

● Broughty Athletic have confirmed that Davie Don has joined the committee following his recent departure from Dundee Violet.

He is a member of the ERSJFA management committee covering the discipline/appeals committee and is also president of North Tayside Region.

He will maintain both positions alongside his duties at the Fed.

Picture: John Laing. Shaun Keatings fires Thornton Hibs ahead in their clash with Dunbar United.