Local Juniors go through in cup

Kilsyth, facing the stiffer test on paper against fellow Super League First side East Kilbride Thistle, ran out 5-1 winners, having been only one-nil up at half-time.

Assistant manager Martin Mooney said: “When we gave away a penalty in the first five minutes we were thinking it was going to be a terrible start, but the goalkeeper made a great save.

“Going in at half-time I think the players thought they were doing a bit better than we thought they were and the manager told them a few home truths.

“They went out second half and, although 5-1 flattered us a little bit, it was still a fine performance.”

Cumbernauld faced a tricky away tie at Central District Second Division outfit Maryhill, and left with a 2-1 win after making matters more difficult than they had to be.

Manager John Queen said: “We’re obviously pleased to go through. I think we were outstanding to a man in the first half - we played well, good passing football, on what’s not a great pitch.

“Some of the stuff was exceptional at times and it should’ve been four or five at the break, but it was two and we were still pleased.

“Second half the boys came out and almost downed tools, they were out-played.”

Rangers are away to Thorniewood on Saturday, whom they pipped to the Central District First title on the final day of last season.

Mooney added: “When we played them last season they liked to get the ball down and pass it.

“Of course it adds a bit of spice to it the way we beat them to the title last season.

“It should be an interesting game.”

United will have a chance to climb the table when Renfrew visit Guy’s Meadow.

Queen added: “They’ve got good strikers, Chris Zok and Willie Sawyers, who they got from Clyde.

“One of the boys was saying Sawyers has scored more goals himself this season than we have as a team, so it’ll be tough.

“But we’re starting to play our football again and the players are getting more confident.”