ROSSVALE clinched an Evening Times Champions' Cup semi-final place with a penalty shoot-out success against Ardrossan Winton Rovers - despite having gone three weeks without a competitive game.

Martin Lauchlan's men will travel to meet the Stagecoach Central First Division cham- pions in the last four - either Bellshill Athletic or Blantyre Vics - after holding their nerve in battling back to earn a 1-1 draw over the 90 minutes.

And the result was all the more remarkable as Locky's young side were going up against an in-form Ardrossan who only seven days previously had deservedly beaten Auchinleck Talbot 3-2 in the West of Scotland Cup.

Yet, a win for the visitors had looked highly unlikely in the opening 45 minutes.

The home team - with experienced pair John Johnston and Gareth Turner pulling the midfield strings, and winger Connor Browning going past makeshift full-back Tony McDermott with ease - threatened to stroll to a resounding victory, particularly after Browning cut the ball into the path of Jared Willet to blast home the opener on 17 minutes.

But turning their territorial dominance into goals was not proving straightforward against an extremely resolute Rossvale backline - inspired by outstanding defenders Rhys Donaldson and Craig McGregor.

So the interval was reached with no further scoring, albeit a Johnston header past the post and a Browning lob that just cleared the crossbar almost did the trick.

Home supporters expecting more of the same on the resumption were given an indication of things to come in the early second-half exchanges as Rossvale, showing the attacking nature that has been their hallmark all season, came roaring forward with Fraser Team firing wide and Yami Misango heading just over from a corner kick.

It is no exaggeration to say the visitors took this tie by the scruff of the neck to the extent that the second 45 minutes were almost entirely played out in the Ardrossan half, and even Chris Strain's introduction of substitutes Larry McMahon and Ian Cashmore failed to stem the tide.

But still Winton's goal remained intact in face of the constant pressure, however a massive blow befell their defence with 15 minutes left as classy on-loan Morton stopper Jordan Cairney limped off after being injured in a 50/50 challenge with Rossvale skipper Ross Hepburn.

Darren Miller came on to help the rearguard action, however he could do little to prevent the equaliser being netted three minutes from time as a clearance upfield was played back into the box by Donaldson and, Misango, darting through on goal, cleverly lobbed goalkeeper Kenny Pollok from 18 yards to level the scores at 1-1.

Lauchlan danced down the track in delight and he was even happier as the game concluded and went to a penalty shoot-out, where his players showed no lack of aplomb in converting all their kicks, while keeper Jordan Bowskill did his bit by saving the unfortunate Miller's effort.

Locky then came away from an ecstatic dressing room to witness the semi-final draw which paired his side with Bellshill or Blantyre Vics, while the Super First Division winners - Pollok or Rob Roy - host Super Premier kingpins Auchinleck or Hurlford).

He said: "To be in such company is just fabulous for everyone involved with Rossvale, however, personally, I'd like to get my former team Bellshill in the semis, not least because Fullarton Park is a stone's throw from my house.

"A tough test awaits, regardless of who we get, but will it be any stiffer than the test we passed on Saturday with flying colours in putting a very good Ardrossan side to the sword.

"The guys left it late, but nobody can deny they deserved no less than an equaliser for a truly outstanding second-half display."

Ardrossan's feelings of despondency were soon replaced by smiles and cheers as their squad and backroom staff returned to the pitch to the acclaim of supporters as they received their Ayrshire District trophy from West Region secretary Scott Robertson.

Boss Strain insisted: "It's been a great season, but hopefully players learned the lesson that you cannot simply cannot turn up and expect to win games.

"We should have put the game to bed early on, but didn't, and paid the price because Rossvale were by far the better team in the second half and they deserved their win."

Meanwhile, Bellshill's 3-2 victory over Lanark with goals from Chris Dolan (2) and Jay Mackay, assured Brian McGinty's men of promotion, alhough the mantle of title winners can still go the way of Blantyre Vics who beat Larkhall 3-2 thanks to goals from David Galt, Stevie Dymock and Terry Hewitt.

Vics, who have six games in hand, welcome Lesmahagow to Castle Park tonight.

TONIGHT 7.0 kick-offs

Euroscot Eng Central League Cup third round: Maryhill v Thorniewood, Yoker v Rob Roy. Second round: Dunipace v Arthurlie, Cumbernauld v Forth, Renfrew v Greenock, Vale of Clyde v Clydebank.

Stagecoach Central First: Blantyre Vics v Lesmahagow.