THE icy weather that hit the country put paid to three games involving West Fife teams on Saturday.

Kelty Hearts' Lowland League clash at Civil Service Strollers, Oakley United's East of Scotland League Conference A match with Arniston Rangers, and Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts' home game with Edinburgh United in Conference C all fell victim to the weather.

With Crossgates Primrose having a free weekend, that meant that the only competitive match took place at the Fleet Grounds as Rosyth hosted Newburgh, although Barry Ferguson's Kelty did play on Tuesday night in the Fife Cup at home to Raith Rovers.

McBookie.com Premier League South:

Rosyth 4 Newburgh 1

BRIAN MUIRHEAD believes his side have come a long way in a short space of time after they headed into the festive break on a high note.

Rosyth's clash with Newburgh was the only game in the division to be played and those who turned out to watch at a freezing Fleet Grounds were treated to a first-half super show from the hosts.

Having lost 3-0 to their opponents in August, Rec were keen to gain revenge and, with just nine minutes on the clock, they took the lead when top goalscorer Tam Hampson – who agreed a new contract with the club ahead of the match – headed home from a corner.

Newburgh could do little to stop Muirhead's men in the opening period and, just three minutes later, in-form Jason Keith netted a second goal before Greg Page put Rosyth 3-0 up on the half-hour.

Hampson added a fourth goal, and his second of the afternoon, on the stroke of half-time to all but seal the three points and, although Sean Hastie grabbed a consolation with 12 minutes to go, Muirhead was delighted with his team's display.

"I had five missing but some of the guys who missed the game on the Saturday before were able to come back in," he explained.

"It shows how far we've come that I can make five changes and we can play like that. We bossed it from start to finish; we were more physical and first to every ball.

"They had wee spells of possession but they were in the wrong areas of the park. It was a very comfortable win and I think we were due them one for the pasting we took there, even though that was never a 3-0 game.

"The second half was a bit lacklustre. We had loads of chances but I think that, as we had a cushion, we weren't ruthless enough. I said to them at half-time to make a statement of intent but I felt we let them off the hook.

"But the guys were fantastic, and their effort is something you can't question. We've been a bit up and down this season – one week we lose 5-0, then the next we win 4-1 – but until the guys get a full year under their belt and more consistency, this is the sort of season we're going to have I think.

"When we're on it, we're on it, and can beat anybody. There's maybe nine (players) who are in their first year at junior level, and that's pleasing.

"They're grasping it."

In addition to securing Hampson on a new deal, Muirhead has also tied down Dale Prattis and Scott Gilfillan for next season, and was aiming to complete a move for Crossgates' Chris Millar on Tuesday, having also snapped up former Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts goalkeeper Connor Mallinson.

Muirhead continued: "To get Tam on a new deal is great; we had discussions with him and he didn't want to go anywhere, while Dale Prattis, in my eyes, has been the player of the season.

"I'm hoping between now and Thursday I'll have another four signed up; one new player and three on extensions."

Rosyth will return to action on January 5 when they host Kirkcaldy YM but, later that month, they face the prospect of tackling West Region giants Pollok in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.

He added: "The two teams in the draw that stuck out were Clydebank, who have been on a great run and have a big support, and Pollok, so to get one of them away is fantastic.

"We'll go there confident and without any fear. We're expected to go out but I'll challenging our players to show a bit of what they've got, and I hope they embrace it.

"It's fantastic for us to play a proper, professional junior club. It could be a nice payday but I'm not worried about that; I've got a young team who have the chance to go up against one of the best clubs in the country.

"I'm looking forward to it, the coaching staff are and there's a buzz about the training."

Fife Cup:

Kelty Hearts 1 Raith Rovers 5

KELTY HEARTS' first-ever Fife Cup tie ended in disappointment as Raith Rovers cruised to victory at New Central Park on Tuesday night.

Barry Ferguson's team defeated Dundonald Bluebell in a friendly on Saturday after their league game at Civil Service Strollers was called off but they were unable to get the better of the Kirkcaldy side.

The New Central Park boss took the opportunity to freshen up his starting line-up and, after a decent opening to the game, Brian Ritchie came close to scoring after being picked out by Stephen Husband but he couldn't keep his effort down.

Five minutes later, however, Rovers took the lead through Jack Smith in the 21st minute before he doubled his tally just after the half-hour mark.

Smith completed his hat-trick in the 37th minute and a fourth goal for the visitors on the stroke of half-time put the tie beyond doubt.

Ciaren Chalmers pulled one back for Kelty 11 minutes into the second half but a goal from Ryan Stevenson completed a comfortable victory for Raith to take them into the next round.

Saturday's fixtures: Scottish Lowland Football League – Kelty Hearts v Vale of Leithen (3pm). East of Scotland League, Conference B – Crossgates Primrose v Dundonald Bluebell (1.30pm).