Shotts focus on the league
Shotts Bon Accord crashed out of the Macron Scottish Junior Cup third round, and boss John Mckeown immediately turned his attention back to their Mcbookie.com League 1 campaign.
Following a 2-2 draw at home last weekend, Shotts travelled to Ayrshire for the third-round replay.
Chris Robertson and Lewis Morrison had the hosts 2-0 up before Jordon Love pulled a goal back for Shotts, but Jack Whittaker made sure of the win with a third for Hurlford.
Mckeown claims climbing the leagues was always his priority.
“The Junior Cup, if you are a league down, is a bonus,”he said.
“I think the priority is to get promoted, and a club of the stature of Shotts should be in the Premiership.”
Mckeown added:“we were well in the game in the first half when we pulled it back to 2-1, after giving ourselves an uphill battle again.
“For a game-and-a-half we more than matched them, but I think the quality they had in the final third made all the difference.”
Shotts have placed defender Craig Crawford on the transfer list.
Just one game in West League 2 survived the weekend weather, with Thorniewood United losing 1-0 at Johnstone Burgh.
Ricky Mcarthur’s 26thminute strike dropped the Viewpark side down a place to 11th in the 15-club table.
Boss Jamie Nesbitt said:“we dominated the game from start to finish, had three penalties turned down, and it was just one of those days.
“There were plenty of positives for our lads. We were solid at the back, and created chances, but just didn’t convert.
“Take nothing away from Burgh; they defended their box extremely well.”
Annbank v Forth Wanderers and Newmains United v Vale of Clyde were victims of the weather.
Attention now turns to the Ardagh West of Scotland Cup first round on Saturday, with ten ties involving county clubs.
First up on Friday night is Lesmahagow’s trip to Ardrossan Winton Rovers, which has a 7.30pm kick-off.
The other nine are at 2pm on Saturday.
League 2 side Forth Wanderers have a daunting task as they travel to Premiership side Auchinleck Talbot.
Three others have drawn Premiership opposition, with League 1 side Bellshill hosting Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, Larkhall Thistle from League 1 heading to Glenafton, and Irvine Meadow visiting League 2 side Thorniewood United.
There are two allchampionship ties as Blantyre Vics visit Petershill (tie has been switched due to risk of postponement) and Shotts Bon Accord head for Kilsyth Rangers.
Staying in League 1, Carluke Rovers host Royal Albert and Lanark United are at Glasgow Perthshire.
League 1 side Wishaw will be favourites as they host League 2 Johnstone Burgh.
The draw for the Macron Scottish Cup fourth round took place yesterday (Wednesday) at 4pm.