This season’s Evening Times Champions Cup got off to a flier earlier at the weekend when Forth Wanderers and Girvan played out an always absorbing preliminary round contest at Kingshill Park.

The Ayrshire District League outfit, with winger Robert Paterson in lively mood, started the better of the sides.

And a number of near things added to some fine stops from Forth keeper David Cherrie raised hopes of a reward for their attacking enterprise.

But totally against the run of play, Forth netted the game’s opening goal just after the half-hour mark when a set-play rolled back to outside the penalty box saw Kris Dick delightfully sidefoot the ball home to make it 1-0.

Their stroke of good fortune acted to boost Forth’s energy levels, particularly those of John Rennie and Barry McGeechan.

And their domination of the midfield exchanges throughout the second half had the home team looking a good bet to hold their nerve and earn a Wednesday night semi-final tie away to Renfrew.

But a final twist ensued right on the final whistle as Girvan midfielder Scott Dunwoodie let rip with a 25-yard shot that flew high past Cherrie for a 1-1 draw and a resulting spot-kick shoot-out that the visitors won 3-2 thanks to Steven Douglas making three superb saves.

PLAYING TONIGHT: (Kick-offs 7.30pm)

McBookie.com Super First Division.

Yoker Athletic v Maybole.

Ayrshire Cup, quarter-final.

Girvan v Cumnock.

Euroscot Eng Central League Cup, third round.

Rob Roy v Bellshill Athletic.