BLANTYRE VICS’ stunning Scottish Junior Cup victory over Bo’ness United last Saturday could literally count for nothing if SJFA chiefs decide the third round tie has to be replayed.

There were controversial and confused scenes at Newtown Park following a last-gasp headed goal by Kieron Coleman that earned the Lanarkshire outfit a more than creditable 2-2 draw against the East Region big guns.

Both sides steeled themselves for the tie being decided on the outcome of a nerve-wracking penalty kick shoot-out, however whistler Chris Graham mistakenly believed extra-time had to be played and he was not for changing his mind despite repeated protestations from both clubs.

It was only after a goal-less first 15 minutes and with darkness rapidly descending that the blundering match official had the error of his ways pointed out by a Referee Supervisor and a belated shoot-out ensued that was won 4-3 by the Vics thanks to two fine stops from outstanding goalkeeper Scott Law who had also saved a spot- kick during the regulation 90 minutes.

Bo'ness were thought likely to lodge an appeal in the immediate aftermath of the game but word has it their club officials have taken a different tack and reputedly lodged a letter of complaint with the SJFA stating the competition rules were not followed.

It now remains to be seen whether Junior football’s ruling body will declare the result as null and void because of this breach, however experienced Vics team boss John Gibson said rather pointedly: “I’d agree it was getting quite dark when the penalty-kicks were being taken but it was the same for both teams and Blantyre Vics certainly didn’t gain any advantage.”

Meanwhile this coming Saturday has another three West Region clubs going all out to secure a last 32 place at the second time of asking.

Hopes are high of Greenock coming good when hosting the visit of Stonehaven after Stevie Mooney’s men battled their way to a 1-1 draw up at Glenury Park against the North Region league leaders, however arguably the toughest hurdle has to be overcome by Thorniewood United in heading through East to face Bonnyrigg Rose.

United boss Andy Frame opted against running the rule over the East Region champions in their big Scottish Cup encounter with Dumbarton last night in favour of putting his own players through their paces.

Last night he insisted: “I’m not going to learn much more than I know about Bonnyrigg already so it’s more important to focus on what we do on the day.

“Our first meeting appeared to be going by the form book when they led 1-0 but Shane Jackson snatched an equaliser and then came within inches of putting us into the next round with a shot that hit the post.

“We know what awaits us through there as Bonnyrigg ran out 3-0 winners against us last season, however nobody should discount our chances of causing an upset as there is probably the same gap between Bonnyrigg and ourselves as there is between them and Dumbarton…and I’ll bet that their manager Robbie Horne fancies his players to win that game.”

Thorniewood’s 1-1 stalemate was achieved without the seasoned trio of Terry Hewitt, Andy Sinclair and Johnny Logan whom Frame is desperate to have fit and ready for the trip East.

He said: “Their recovery is on track and I’d say they are in with a good shout of being passed fit but we won’t take any chances that may risk putting them out for the longer term.”

Heading further afield on their travels are East Kilbride Thistle, facing up to an early rise for their trip North to face Culter in the wake of a 1-1 Show Park draw last weekend.

The Jags were looking a good bet to clinch a fourth round clash with Glenafton when Liam McLaughlin put them 1-0 ahead in 85 minutes but Culter levelled matters just two minutes later and could have won the tie but for a superb save from E.K. goalkeeper Chris Treacey in the dying seconds.

Thistle boss Billy Campbell admitted: “A draw was a fair reflection of the overall game as we were on top first half only for Culter to dominate the second half.

“It’s a long and expensive journey we could do without but I’m happy to still be in the cup and it’s pleasing that the players believe they have not lost their chance just because we are away from home now.

“The only hitch is the replay only adds to our league fixtures backlog but you won’t hear me complaining if we are in the fourth round around 4pm on Saturday.”