AFTER somewhat fragmented First and Second Round ties, this year’s Only Sport Scottish Amateur Cup burst into life on Saturday.
The bulk of the 3rd Round ties went ahead as scheduled, despite the heavy rain that fell during the week.
53 sides made it through to the competition’s last 64 and now await the eagerly-anticipated 4th Round draw. The remaining, postponed or drawn matches will be played on the first available date.
As always, there will have been wide debate about the ‘games of the round’. However, a number of results did catch the eye:
Bannockburn won 2-0 away to near neighbours Alva: St Patrick’s FP came home from Perthshire with a 2-1 win over Kettins; in the all Central Scottish clash Castlemilk Dynamo defeated recent finalists, Drumchapel 2-0; Cumnock triumphed 3-1 away to UB United; fellow Ayrshire giants, Shortlees, recorded another impressive away win, overcoming AS Airdrie 5-2; past winner, Harestanes narrowly lost 3-2 in Fife to the impressively named Balgonie Scotia 1896.
Cambusbarron Rovers, Oban Saints, East Kilbride YM and Loganlea United all came out top after tough away ties.
Edinburgh’s Tollcross Thistle, the 2021 winners, were top scorers, sweeping aside Ayrshire’s Dean Fenwick Thistle 13-1. Other high scorers were Doune Castle (9-1 v Ballinluig), East Dunbartonshire (8-0 v Rutherglen), Castlemilk OBC (7-2 v Netherton) and Longniddry Villa (7-0 v Hillington).
Blackridge Vale of Craig and Leven United could not be separated in a 10-goal thriller. Their remarkable 5-5 draw will see them replay next Saturday. Former winners, Wishaw High School FP, and Barnhill, from the Midlands AFA, will also replay after a 1-1 draw in Dundee.
As always, the Scottish Amateur Cup has captured the imagination and sparked the dreams of most amateur clubs. For those who remain in this season’s contest, the thought of a Hampden appearance will very much remain - even if still only a distant possibility.
