Coupar return to thrash Harp

Coupar Angus returned to the junior ranks after a year in abeyance.

Their last season of 2013/14 saw them fail to get a point, but that was put right straight away as they thrashed Lochee Harp 5-0 at Foxhall Park.

Adam Braid and Alan Cruikshank both notched two apiece, while Bradie Heggie knocked in the fifth to complete the rout.

Downfield and Glenrothes shared the points, with both keepers having to be in top form, after a goalless draw at Downfield Park. The Fife side had to endure the pressure for the last 15 minutes with 10 men after Tony Steele was shown a second yellow card.

Relegated Kinnoull got off to a good start with a 3-1 win over North End at Tulloch Park. Rhys Davies scored twice for Alan Cameron’s side with the experienced Gordon Norrie getting the third. A trialist netted North End’s consolation.

Lochore Welfare ran out 4-0 winners over Arbroath Vics at Central Park courtesy of Watt and McPhie with a brace each.

Newburgh had to settle for a share of the points in a 4-4 draw with Blairgowrie – all after being in front three times and playing 10 men for 65 minutes.

Newburgh scorers were Alan Ferguson, Joe Samson, Konnor Lindsay and Tom Whyte, with Axworthy (2) and Maloney (2) counting for Blair, who had keeper Gordon O’Brien sent off.

Kirrie Thistle made an impressive start to life after Wilson Cooper.

Jim Finlayson’s side won 3-1 away at Scone Thistle. Davie Miller put Kirrie in front before Stewart Russell made it two on 20 minutes.

Russell scored again midway through the second half to make it 3-0 before Ross Mitchell netted a consolation for Scone.

Brechin Vics were down to the bare bones as they travelled to Forfar Albion but it didn’t stop them running out emphatic 5-1 winners.

Vics’ scorers were playermanager Charlie King, Martin Strachan with a double, Scott Black and David Sturrock.