New junior football season up and running

Holders Cumbernauld United began the defence of the trophy with a 3-1 win over Dunipace at Guy’s Meadow.

Steph McDonald scored to give them a 1-0 lead at the break and although Dunipace levelled in the second half goals by Ryan Sullivan and Dylan McGuigan gave United a 3-1 win.

In the other game in the group Kirkintilloch Rob Roy were 5-0 winners away to Rossvale at Petershill.

Scorers for the visitors were Kevin Watt (2), Willie Sawyers, Stephen McGuire and an own goal.

The two winning sides meet next, at Guy’s Meadow on Wednesday night in what is technically Rob Roy’s home match.

The fifth team in the group are Kilsyth Rangers who play their first match on Wednesday when they face Rossvale at Duncansfield Park.

Elsewhere Bellshill Athletic and Thorniewood United will be out to bounce back from opening day defeats when they meet at Robertson Park on Wednesday.

Bellshill went down 2-1 away to St Roch’s while Thorniewood were thumped 4-1 at Shettleston, conceding all four goals in the opening 35 minutes.

Declan Lafferty pulled one back in the second half but it wasn’t enough.

In Section 1 Lesmahagow opened with a 1-0 win over Lanark United.

Next up for ‘Gow is an away match at Royal Albert on Wednesday while Forth Wanderers, who didn’t have a game, open up away to Larkhall Thistle.

Carluke Rovers began with a 2-1 defeat away to new boys Gartcairn from Airdrie.

Ian Watt put Rovers in front but Barry Foy levelled just before the break and ex-Bellshill man Chris Dolan grabbed the winner from the penalty spot in the second half.

Carluke’s next match is away to Shotts Bon Accord on Wednesday night.