John McKeown master-minded the giant-killing act of the season last night as his Wishaw side overcame cup holders Clydebank in their Euroscot Eng Sectional League Cup last eight clash.

The Lanarkshire outfit made it five wins on the spin as they doled out a stunning 2-1 defeat to the Bankies that secured a semi-final showdown against fellow Central First Division shock troops Blantyre Vics, who also overcame Super Premier opponents in eliminating Arthurlie by the identical 2-1 scoreline through at Dunterlie.

A healthy throng of visiting supporters helped provide one of the biggest attendances at the Beltane for many a year, however the atmospheric backdrop seemed to stimulate lower league Wishaw who were the sprightlier of the quarter-final combatants from the off and it was no real surprise when they got their noses in front after just 14 minutes.

And it was a classic goal - started in the right-back area with an astute pass from Kieron Cameron.

The move was carried on through midfield before playmaker Craig Crawford played in Kevin Barry Grant to slot the ball past stranded Bankies goalkeeper Robert Hamilton.

Roared on by their support, Clydebank went hunting for an equaliser.

But all their best attacking efforts came to nothing against Wishaw's resolute defensive pairing of Mark Daly and Barry Eley - other than when Joe Andrew's attempted lob shot was bravely blocked by goalkeeper Gavin Halford.

Crawford and the outstanding Paul McGeough had pulled the midfield strings for 45 minutes but they were reduced to being mere spectators as the Bankies raced out of the second-half blocks to dominate proceedings.

The goal that was always coming finally arrived on the hour mark when a corner kick evaded everyone except the lurking Stevie Gardiner at the back post.

He took a controlling touch before rifling a low shot into the corner of the net for 1-1.

Wishaw boss McKeown said: "For the next 15 minutes we both rode our luck and defended stoutly but there were signs of us tiring and I'd have bitten your hands off for penalty kicks if it had been offered at that stage.

"However we introduced Chris Faulds, whose energy caused their defenders some uncomfortable moments. Not surprisingly he was involved in the lead up to our winning goal.

"To fight their way back into the contest speaks volumes about the spirit among the players and I cannot praise them highly enough for their efforts out there tonight."

Wishaw's winning goal came in the 86th minute from another flowing move down the right flank which saw Faulds slip a pass to Michael Collinder whose fiercely driven cross was deflected by Hamilton's fingertips into the path of the lurking Grant who fired home a low shot for his second goal of the night before racing away to celebrate his score in front of delirious home supporters.

Losing gaffer Budgie McGhie said: "I'm bitterly disappointed but all credit to Wishaw who deserve every credit for their performance.

"At 1-1 there looked to be only one winner but the quality of our play in the final third was not good enough and we were made to pay for our failings."

Andy Sinclair and Alan Christie were on the mark for Blantyre Vics in a deserved 2-1 triumph over Arthurlie, whose consolation score came from a last minute Richie Barr penalty kick conversion.

Jubilant Vics boss David Greig said: "To come here and beat a team of Arthurlie's standing is a dream come true and I couldn't be prouder of my players than I am tonight."

The other semi-final has Port Glasgow - 3-1 victors over Thorniewood United - hosting Cumbernauld, who had Ross Foley to thank for a hard fought 1-0 win away to Larkhall Thistle.

The Ardagh Glass Cup quarter-finals down in Ayrshire saw Auchinleck Talbot beat Maybole 2-1, while Glenafton clinched a last four place with a 2-0 win over Whitletts Vics.