Juniors prove their worth

Junior sides Bo’ness and Irvine Meadow progressed to the Second Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup, seeing off Highland League duo Fort William and Forres Mechanics respectively.

Bo’ness’ 4-0 success at Fort’s Claggan Park was pretty straightforward with Scott Gibb scoring twice in the first half. Nicky Walker added a close range third before half time with former Aberdeen striker Stephen Tarditi completing the win midway through the second period. A home tie against Whitehill Welfare awaits next. Irvine’s 6-3 success over Forres in their replay was not as easy, though, with the Ayrshire side falling 3-1 behind to Simon Allan’s penalty after 26 minutes.

Chris Robertson put Irvine ahead early on, however Allan thundered in a free kick on 17 minutes and two minutes later Lee Fraser put the Highlanders in front. Allan then made it three from the penalty spot, before Irvine’s Garry Fleming pulled a goal back. Richie Barr equalised seconds into the second period and further goals from Robertson, Mark McLennan and Michael Hughes set Irvine up for a trip to Edinburgh City in Round Two..