No upsets for Jags and Royal

PRESTON ATHLETIC ............ 5 BATHGATE THISTLE .............. 0

Bathgate Thistle were unable to cause a League Cup upset as the Conference X basement boys suffered a 5-0 loss away to Division One outfit Preston Athletic in their opening group fixture.

The Jags were always likely to be up against it as the only Tier 8 side in Group B and so it proved on their travels to Prestonpans.

The hosts proved too strong as they raced out to a three goal advantage before the break as Matty O’Connor, Kyle Somers and Brandon Archibald all found the net.

The Jags had passed up a great chance to level things up but saw an effort cleared off the line before Athletic took control.

Further finishes in the second half from Byron Archibald and Dan Garvey made if five and a convincing win for Athletic.

In the West of Scotland, Harthill Royal were unable to cause a shock in Division Four as they went down 3-0 away to leaders Finnart.

The Royal had grabbed a spirited draw against second placed Kilsyth Athletic a fortnight ago but there was no repeat of those heroics in Shettleston.