WoSFL - Cup and lower league action

MANY of the West of Scotland Football League sides competing in the top divisions were focussed on the Scottish Junior Cup this weekend.

Though those in the lower leagues continued to battle in the highly competitive lower divisions.

In the Junior Cup, six Ayrshire sides have progressed into the last 16.

Auchinleck Talbot did so with a statement victory in what was the tie of the round, as they defeated WoSFL champions Darvel.

The reigning champions reward for winning is one of the biggest of them all, a derby versus Cumnock.

The East Ayrshire side progressed through their match this weekend with ease, as they won 4-1 at home to Thorniewood United.

In an all-Ayrshire tie at Station Park, Craigmark came close but were unable to pull of another cup upset as they fell at the hands of Kilbirnie Ladeside, who have set up a last 16 tie away to Bellshill Athletic.

Troon FC also progressed, brushing aside Blantyre Victoria 3-0 with Raymond Montgomerie, Josh Black and Kyle Gilroy the scorers. They set up an all Ayrshire tie versus Hurlford United in the next round.

Back in East Ayrshire and 2017 winners Glenafton moved into the next round with a solid 4-1 win versus Stoneyburn FC. They will travel to Carnoustie Panmure in the next round.

Unfortunately, not all Ayrshire sides could progress, and Maybole Juniors exited in the cruellest of fashions, losing 5-4 on penalties to Larkhall Thistle after a 1-1 draw.

The story was the same for 2016 winner Beith Juniors, who drew 2-2 with Shotts Bon Accord, before losing 7-6 in a penalty shoot-out.

The Strathclyde Demolition Cup also took place this weekend and in Ayrshire, Whitletts Victoria progressed into the semi-finals after defeating Drumchapel United 4-0.

Eglinton FC battled hard, but lost out 4-3 to Thorn Athletic, despite a spirited second half comeback.

Back to the league, and no Ayrshire sides were in action across the Premier League or Division One.

In Division Two, Ardeer Thistle got back to winning ways with a solid 3-1 win at home to Glasgow United.

Though Muirkirk fell to defeat, by the same scoreline, away to Kilsyth Rangers.

In Division Three, Ardrossan Winton Rovers pushed further ahead at the top of the table with a 5-0 win over Port Glasgow.

It was another clean sheet for Saltcoats Victoria who are now two unbeaten following a 0-0 draw away to Vale of Leven.

In an all Ayrshire tie, Dalry Thistle edged out Girvan by one goal to nil.

Irvine Victoria dropped points in disappointing fashion, drawing 3-3 with Lanark United.

Kello Rovers lost more ground at the top of the table, losing a nine goal thriller 5-4 at home to East Kilbride Thistle.

And Lugar Boswell Thistle avenged last week’s defeat against Saltcoats Victoria with a 4-0 win at home to basement boys Newmains United.