BLANTYRE VICS roared into the Evening Times Champions' Cup final with a 5-2 victory over 10-man Ardrossan Winton Rovers at Castle Park.

The eagerly-awaited Castle Park semi-final clash exploded into life with just five minutes on the clock as Vics winger David Galt went to ground inside the penalty area following a Matty Bennett challenge and whistler Stephen Brown pointed to the spot.

This early hammer-blow for the Ayrshiremen duly turned into a double whammy as goalkeeper Michael Wardrope angrily voiced his displeasure at what appeared to be a soft penalty kick award, and his comments clearly touched a nerve with Mr Brown, who did not hesitate in showing a red card to the experienced shotstopper.

Rovers striker Ian Cashmore was sacrificed for replacement keeper Kenny Pollock, whose first touch was to retrieve the ball from the net after Mark Thomson despatched a strong shot past him to put the home side 1-0 in front.

A disconsolate Wardrope watched events before retreating inside his dressing room to reflect on his actions with more than a touch of contrition.

He admitted: "It was a gut reaction, but I've stupidly stepped over the mark with my comments and I have to hold my hands up and say there's nobody to blame but me."

Ardrossan, with John Johnston very influential in midfield and Connor Browning and Jared Willet posing problems for the Vics rearguard, were making light of their depleted state in taking the game to their opponents .

And a deserved equaliser arrived in 38 minutes after a clever interchange between the forward pair ended with Browning firing in a shot which Vics goalkeeper John Cassidy parried at full stretch, but only into the path of following up Rovers midfielder Ben Carson, and he netted from point-blank range to level matters at 1-1.

Johnston's goal-line clearance prevented Craig Smith restoring Blantyre's lead, but the hitman was not to be denied for long and, right on the half-time whistle, he was perfectly positioned to blast a Galt knockdown past Pollock to give Vics an interval lead.

That 2-1 advantage was stretched just six minutes into the second half when man-of-the-match Galt left three defenders trailing in his wake as he raced down the left flank before cutting inside and directing a strong shot into the net.

Blantyre supporters were now in full voice and they had more to cheer about on the hour mark when Smith netted an opportunist goal prior to full-back Andy Sinclair venturing forward to poke the ball under Pollock to make the score 5-1.

Several near things ensued as Blantyre continued to press forward, however the game's final score came at the other end as a corner kick for Ardrossan saw Jordan Cairnie rise highest to head home a consolation goal.

Rovers gaffer Chris Strain did not mince his words in reflecting afterwards: "Michael's sending-off so early in the game left us with a mountain to climb and the most galling part is he had no need to open his mouth. He's one of our most experienced players and simply should know better."

He added: "Some of the football we played on a surface not conducive to making passes was a joy to behold and we more than matched Blantyre in every respect, barring their sheer power and physicality.

"Hopefully we will have a bit more height and strength in our ranks for when we next face each other in the Super First Division next season."

Vics boss David Greig emerged from a hugely vocal dressing room with a huge smile on his face at the prospect of his players securing a Newlandsfield showdown with either Pollok or Auchinleck Talbot - who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday - this Saturday.

He insisted: "The sending-off has been a marvellous boost, but even before then we've had two efforts cleared off the line, so I was always feeling confident of coming good.

"To be fair, Ardrossan made us really work for our win, but we were simply too strong in the end and I salute my players for signing off our last Castle Park game this season with such a tremendous performance. It's one that will be remembered for a very long time."

Meanwhile, Bathgate Thistle have parted company with the management team of Barrie Malcolm and Ian McDonald.

LAST NIGHT

Evening Times Champions' Cup semi-final: Blantyre Vics 5 Ardrossan Wiinton Rovers 2.

Stagecoach Central District First: Wishaw 1 Dunipace 5.

WEDNESDAY Kick-offs 7.30pm

Evening Times Champions Cup semi-final: Pollok v Auchinleck Talbot.

THURSDAY Kick-offs 7.30pm

Euroscot Eng Central League Cup semi-finals: Yoker Athletic v Blantyre Vics, Thorniewood Utd v Vale of Clyde.

SATURDAY

Evening Times Champions Cup final: Blantyre Vics v Pollok or Auchinleck Talbot (2pm Newlandsfield Park).