East of Scotland Cup third round: Sauchie Juniors 0 Kelty Hearts 3

KELTY HEARTS advanced in the East of Scotland Cup with a fine win at Premier League promotion-chasers Sauchie Juniors.

Thomas Courts’ side remain in the hunt for a league and cup treble this season – they’re top of the Super League and still in the Fife and Lothians Cup – after overcoming a Clackmannanshire side that are in prime position for a return to the east region’s top flight.

A Stephen Husband double and an own goal put Kelty through, giving Hearts a boost ahead of this Saturday’s crucial Super League clash with Bo’ness United.

Courts said: “I think at this stage of the season it’s about finding a way to win. What we’re finding is that pitches are firm and bumpy, which wasn’t conducive to the type of football we like to play, and probably Sauchie like to either. In the end it’s down to legs, energy, battling quality and individuals to make the difference. I’m pleased we march on in the competition.

“The players are relishing the opportunity to compete on three fronts. I sense that the players are looking forward to the big games we have coming up; they’re proven big-game players. All we can do is make sure we have an inward focus and make it difficult for Bonnyrigg to catch us (in the league).”

Rosyth 6 Crossgates Primrose 2

ROSYTH marked their return to Recreation Park on Saturday with a thumping derby win over Crossgates Primrose.

Rosyth started well and took the lead after just eight minutes when John McDairmid lost his marker at the edge of the box before scooping the ball in from 20 yards.

Rosyth made it 2-0 with an own goal before Stan Chitemere extended Rosyth’s advantage five minutes into the second half and, 15 minutes later, substitute Evan Stanfield made it four with a well-taken half volley.

Stanfield added a second with 20 minutes to go with a lobbed finish before Primrose pulled two goals back within 60 seconds with five minutes left thanks to Cameron MacAleavey and a Jamie McNeish penalty. Tam Hampson, who completed his return to the club recently from Hill of Beath Hawthorn, had the last word when he rattled home a spot-kick in the closing moments.

Delighted Rosyth boss Barry Cockburn said: “Everyone attached to the club has been working hard to get us back home and the boys repaid everyone’s hard work with a fantastic three points.

“Overall, it was a fantastic result and a great way to reutrn home. We now have three remaining home games and one away game knowing that if we take maximum points, we can finish in fifth which would be a fantastic season for the boys.”

Crossgates secretary Kevan McArthur commented: “The result was not expected but again we were down to the bare bones; we had two late call-offs so had to play a couple of 17-year-olds, and one of our goalkeepers had to play up front in the second half.

“We will keep pushing until the end of the season but we are working behind the scenes and re-building for the new season already.”

Livingston United 1 Oakley United 1

LEE RICHARDSON reckons he needs five or six players to give Oakley United a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.

The Blairwood Park men brought their season to a conclusion with a 1-1 draw at Livingston United thanks to a Lee Celentano goal.

Richardson said: “When I took over we were bottom and we’ll finish eighth or ninth. It’s not where I wanted to be – I wanted to get into the top six – but the last seven games have killed us with injuries and suspensions. I cut the squad which came back to bite me a wee bit. I’ve got 11 signed for next season and I’m happy with the players I’ve got left. I need to bring five or six in but we’ve got a base to work on and I think we will improve. For the next three weeks my wife won’t see me; I’ll be out watching games! Although the season’s finished for the players, it doesn’t for me and my coaching team.”

Saturday’s fixtures (kick-offs 2.30pm): McBookie.com Super League – Kelty Hearts v Bo’ness United. McBookie.com South Division – Crossgates Primrose v Stoneyburn, Rosyth v Easthouses Lily.