SCOTT ANSON leapt from the bench to fire Shettleston ahead in the 2-0 victory over Newtongrange Star - and help set up a mouth-watering last-eight clash with big guns Auchinleck Talbot.

The first half at Greenfield Park offered little in the way of incident, but the introduction of the former Kilmarnock and Annan Athletic striker changed the game, and allowed Town to take control.

Anson scored the opener on the hour mark, before centre-half Reece McGillon bulleted home a header 16 minutes later to seal the win in this Dyslexia Scotland Junior Cup fifth-round tie.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men when centre-forward Kris Renton was shown a straight red for a lunge on Danny Boyle in 70 minutes.

And Anson admitted he was disappointed not to start the game, but understood why he was on the bench. The striker, who fired almost 30 goals last term, said: "I was desperate to play from the start, but I missed the last round against Clydebank after picking up a bug, and obviously the gaffer went with the team that won that game.

"I knew I would get on at some point, but also knew that if I got a chance I had to put it away - and thankfully I did. In the first half we put a lot of balls into the box, but got little return.

"They had some pressure, but our goalkeeper was amazing, and pulled off some incredible saves. He kept us in the game at times, but to be honest, every single one of our players earned the victory."

Anson added: "Newtongrange then got a little frustrated and put in a few bad tackles, which played into our hands. Our second goal was really crucial, because they had hit the bar not long before it. But it's great to get through, and now we have another big tie against Auchinleck, which will hopefully be a good earner for the club."

Anson, 25, now reckons a few more people in the Junior game might just sit up and take notice of the Greenfield Park side.

He said: "I think we've surprised a few people this season. Our main aim was always to stay in the league, but after a few games we realised we were better than we thought we were. We started to think we might have a chance of promotion.

"I think this season has helped put Shettleston back on the map. People have said that we aren't too bad a side, and that we have some good players.

"We are sitting third in the league at the moment, but have five games in hand over Maybole, so we are in a decent position. We have a wee chance of going up, but we need to take it one game at a time."

Shettleston keeper Bryn Halliwell had to look lively in the ninth minute when he dived full length to push a Chris King free-kick round the post.

The hosts were restricted to long-range efforts in the opening 45 minutes, while Halliwell, formerly of Clyde and Hamilton, was by far the busiest of the keepers.

That changed after the break, though, and with torrential rain making conditions difficult, Shettleston took the game by the scruff of the neck and dominated almost from start to finish.

On the hour mark, Robert Campbell went on a mazy run, which finished with a delightful, low cross into the box, which Anson swept home from six yards.

With 70 minutes on the clock, former Hearts midfielder Craig Thomson picked up the ball 20 yards from goal and let fly, but his shot cannoned off the Shettleston bar. Town broke up the park and Renton cynically chopped Boyle, and was sent packing.

Five minutes later, keeper Kieron Renton pulled off a stunning save from an Anson header, but he was helpless to stop McGillon heading home a Kenny Marshall corner just 60 seconds later.

Afterwards, Town boss Hugh Kelly said: "The way the game went early on, we were forced into playing a lot of long balls, so we had to change things about, and we brought Scott on. To be honest, it didn't take Jose Mourinho to realise we needed to change things, but Scott has goals in him and thankfully it made the difference.

"I'm delighted with the way the boys played and battled - they gave everything for the club. Our goalkeeper was unbeliev-able, and pulled off a couple of brilliant saves, but it was a fantastic team effort."

Elsewhere, Arthurlie are through to the fifth round after a penalty shoot-out win over Rob Roy at Guy's Meadow.

Kevin Watt headed the Rabs in front after just two minutes, but Gary Smith levelled and Lie won 4-3 on penalties. Robert Downs' side now travel to Penicuik in the next round.

In the second round of the New Coin Holdings Cup, Pollok shocked big guns Hurlford United a fortnight before they clash in the last eight of the Junior Cup.

Goals by Dean Richardson, John Sweeney and Ryan McCann helped Lok beat the Scottish Cup holders 3-1 at Newlandsfield.

Elsewhere in the 'West', Irvine Meadow thumped Craigmark 6-1, while Kilsyth knocked out Premier League Kilbirnie on penalties after the match ended 1-1.

Rossvale are almost home and dry in the Central District Second Division after beating Johnstone Burgh 4-1. Only Burgh can prevent the Bishopbriggs side winning the title - if they win all 11 of their remaining league fixtures!