A 0-0 draw with Hurlford United gave Scott Smith a bittersweet goodbye in his last ever home league match as co-boss of Petershill.

His playing charges more than matched up against the combative Scottish Junior Cup semi-finalists, however they failed to pick up the three points on offer that would have all but assured their top-flight status.

The scoreline does not lie in suggesting a fairly uninspiring spectacle, but Peasy's toothless performance could be somewhat excused in this respect after lining up without a recognised striker in their ranks due to the injury- enforced absences of Stephen McGladrigan and Chris Mackie.

Doing their best to fill makeshift roles were midfielders Stevie O'Keane and Paul Woods, who, nevertheless, figured in the game's first-half talking points, Keano's 43rd- minute shot forcing excellent Hurlford goalkeeper Ally Brown into a fabulous diving save to avert a certain goal while, much earlier in the proceedings, Woods was denied what appeared to be a stonewall penalty kick award.

Nearing the quarter of an hour mark he took possession on the left side of the visiting penalty area and showed a bit of invention to totally flummox opponent Ryan Sullivan with a step-over move only to be then felled by the full-back's flailing leg.

Loud and concerted roars emanated from Peasy fans and players alike but whistler David Cockburn remained indifferent to their claims prior to rubbing salt in the grounded Woodsy's wounds by booking him for simulation.

"The referee said he wasn't born yesterday, but that type of challenge has been a foul for as long as the game of football has been played," he said.

"The tackle didn't so much take the legs away from me as hit me high up on the hip and even the Hurlford players admitted that it was a penalty kick."

The Ayrshiremen came more to the fore after the break with the elements in their favour and the promptings of Paul McKenzie integral in their best attacking moves.

Top scorer Stewart Kean came close with a headed chance but, for all their wind-assisted pressure, Bruno Maltoni in the Peasy goal had little to do, although he was a mere helpless onlooker as a stinging McKenzie drive found the side-netting.

Co-gaffer Smith lauded: "Limiting Hurlford to so few looks at our goal is no mean feat and I thought the guys at the back were outstanding in the way they went about their business.

"The penalty kick was clear- cut and I cannot for the love of me understand why it wasn't given, particularly when the assistant referee has awarded it, but thankfully I won't have to ponder over many more decisions like this for much longer."

Hurlford manager Darren Henderson said: "I left a few players out and the result was we looked out of sorts and didn't have the same drive and energy that has been evident in our play over recent weeks."

Goals were certainly not in short supply across the city where Pollok racked up a high-scoring 5-4 victory over Kilbirnie Ladeside in which Lok debutant Davie Winters helped himself to four goals.

In other Super Premier games, Auchinleck Talbot's proud 38-game unbeaten league record was ended by a rampant Clydebank side who ran out 3-0 winners at Holm Park with Jamie Campbell and Ciaron McElroy (2) on target.

Andy Reid came up trumps with the vital match-winning goal as Beith overcame Shotts Bon Accord 3-2 in their top-of- the-table Super First Division clash at Bellsdale.

The Scottish Junior Cup action saw Glenafton continue to hold the Indian sign over near- neighbours Cumnock with a hard fought 2-1 quarter-final replay victory at Loch Park.

In a much-delayed fifth round contest, Bo'ness United clinched a last-eight showdown against Irvine Meadow after Nicky Walker and Stuart Hunter were on target to earn a 2-1 triumph over Rutherglen Glencairn.