Cup win tastes sweet for Candy Rock

Ask me the same question now after the first two rounds have been played and I'd have to say that the possibility is now, at best, remote.

It's hard to sound more optimistic after seven of the city's representatives have already bitten the dust.

Five clubs fell in Saturday's second-round ties to leave just the names of Shettleston, St Roch's and Pollok in the hat for the third-round draw that takes place next Tuesday.

Lok's 4-0 win over Whitletts Vics just shaded Shettleston's 3-1 defeat of Royal Albert, achieved thanks to goals from Ricky McIntosh, Danny Boyle and Kenny Marshall.

But pride of place goes to St Roch's for winning 2-1 away to Whitburn with nine men.

Liam McMahon's first-ever goal for the Candy Rock and a Thomas McCluskey strike put the visitors two ahead.

However, the dismissals of McMahon and Dominic Febers in the second half and a goal for Whitburn left Andy Cameron's men fighting a torrid rearguard action before they clinched a memorable win.

The Garngad gaffer said: "Nobody had given us a hope of going through so the result is a fillip for the players and everyone at the club.

"We are not going to win the cup but there is nothing to stop us enjoying a good run if the players apply themselves like they did last Saturday."

Surprisingly, Shettleston and St Anthony's are the only two of Glasgow's 10 current Junior clubs never to have won the 128-year-old trophy.

The Town have put a spring in the step of supporters with their displays this season.

But team boss Hugh Kelly retained a sense of humour when looking ahead to the next round of the cup.

He said: "There are only 11 of the 12 Super Premier sides left and all the top East Region outfits so we'll probably need a bit of luck to go all the way."

Kelly may face just as big a task to hold on to Scott Anson, who has been linked with a move back to Cumnock.

Word has it that new Nock boss John McKeown will bid to add the highly-rated forward to his captures of Whitletts stopper Raymond Buchanan and Glencairn's Steven Lowe.

Pollok boss Tony McInally could not care less what the draw holds in store for his players as long as they keep improving on the pitch.

He said: "They are looking better with every game they play together. The guys have a marked swagger about them now instead of the nervousness that was apparent in our early outings this season.

"I have no doubt that by the time of the third round ties we will be a stronger, fitter and more organised squad."

McInally may move for left- back Ryan Scanlon, who has failed to hold down a regular first-team place at Berwick Rangers after stints with Ross County and Motherwell.

Meanwhile, new Lanark United manager John Brogan has put Alan McCrum, Ryan O'Donnell, Chris Queen and keeper Gary McLenaghan on the transfer list.

Wishaw have appointed ex-Dunfermline and St Mirren winger Chris McGroarty as their new manager.

His post at Forth Wanderers has been filled for a second time by Jamie McKenzie.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(2pm unless stated)

Scottish Junior Cup. Second round: Stoneywood v Deveronside. Replays: Carnoustie v West Calder, Fauldhouse v Armadale, Glencairn v Culter (all 2.0).

Stagecoach Super Premier: Arthurlie v Auchinleck, Cumnock v Beith, Glenafton v Kilbirnie, Irvine Meadow v Petershill, Troon v Clydebank.

Super First: Greenock v Largs, Kilsyth v Neilston, Pollok v Ardeer, Rob Roy v Irvine Vics, Shettleston v Thorniewood, Yoker v Maybole.

Central District First: Bellshill v Larkhall, Dunipace v Ashfield, Lanark v St Anthony's, Lesmahagow v Carluke, Maryhill v Wishaw, Renfrew v Vale of Clyde.

Central District Second: Cambuslang v Forth, Port Glasgow v Johnstone Burgh, Rossvale v Glasgow Perthshire, St Roch's v Royal Albert, Vale of Leven v East Kilbride.

Ayrshire District League: Annbank v Dalry, Ardrossan v Kilwinning, Craigmark v Muirkirk, Girvan v Lugar, Kello v Darvel, Saltcoats v Whitletts.

SUNDAY

Euroscot Eng League Cup Final: Cumbernauld v Blantyre Vics (2.30 Gasworks Park, Larkhall).