Cup final washed out as rain hits fixtures

THE BIGGEST winner in the weekend’s cup clashes was the weather.

Waterlogged pitches knocked out all two of the six ties scheduled, including yesterday’s DJ Laing Cup final between Lochee United and Kirrie Thistle at Laing Park, Carnoustie.

Other local clubs affected were ForfarWest End, who were supposed to play Penicuik at Strathmore Park in the East of Scotland Cup, as well as the GA Engineering Cup clash between Lochee Harp and Carnoustie Panmure.

In the two games that beat the weather, there were mixed fortunes for the two Fife clubs involved in first round Fife and Lothians Cup ties.

Whitburn wilted at Ballingry, whilst Lochore Welfare found Sauchie a shade too hot to handle.

Dave Baikie’s Rovers ran in eight with John Martin the home hero netting four.

Indeed, he had three to his credit with only a quarter of the game gone.

Murray McDowell also bagged a treble before Bobby Linn hit the eighth.

The South League’s outfit’s meagre response was an Alan Mooney penalty which did bring it back to 2-1 and aWillie Rodger counter.

Although Lochore lost 3-1 at Sauchie, only a goal from Ally Burns three minutes from time finally buriedWelfare hopes.

A Dougie Wilson strike just before the interval had given the Super League side the lead.

John Ferguson scored two minutes after the restart with Darren Cummings restoring the hosts’ advantage on the hour-mark.