Bluebells are in the comfort zone

IT wasn’t the best of days for local clubs in the East of Scotland Cup with only Lochee United definitely through to the third round.

The Bluebells were 2-0 winners over Pumpherston but didn’t get it all their own way against the South League leaders.

Lochee were in control for much of the first half and, after a Logan Davie effort was cleared off the line, they took the lead in 27 minutes when Grant Lawson fired home from the edge of the box.

Paddy Deane hammered in a second just before the half-time whistle.

The second half was a bit of a damp squib as far as Lochee are concerned.

They rarely threatened the Pumpherston goal and it was the visitors who came closest to scoring when Jack Beaumont was denied by a stunning save from home keeper Jordan Miller.

There was to be no revenge win for East Craigie at Newtongrange.

The Lothian side were given a run for their money before earning a narrow victory in the Scottish Cup a few weeks ago but they were in control for much of Saturday’s tie and deserved their 3-0 victory.

Tayport are also out after a 2-0 defeat by Linlithgow. Despite the result, it was an encouraging performance from Charlie King’ side with the Fifers’ inability to cash in on their chances the main difference between the sides.

Defences dominated Forfar West End’s tie with Dalkeith Thistle but it was the Premier League visitors who squeezed through to the third round.

From one of the few chances created, Paul Tansey scored the only goal of the game after 35 minutes.

Coupar Angus also lost out to a Premier League side at home by a single goal, with Dunbar United coming from behind to win.

Alan Leith gave the Foxhall Parkers the lead six minutes into the second half but, within five minutes, Dean Ballantyne’s brace turned the tie in the visitors’ favour.

This effort by Lochee United’s Paddy Deane (blue) was ruled out because of an infringement against a Pumpherston player.