Tait puts up the shutters to keep Welfare at bay in Cup

Mark TAIT, the Edinburgh University goalkeeper, undoubtedly played the most outstanding game of his career with a series of quite unbelievable saves to deny Whitehill Welfare, who had to be content with a share of the points in a no-scoring draw in the East of Scotland Seniors League Cup Section Qualifying.

The young keeper, especially in the second half when Whitehill attacked relentlessly and with the aid of a strong breeze, defied everything that was directed towards him. The pick of the saves was a header from only three yards out by Michael Bruce which bounced almost on the goal-line and Tait dived to scoop the ball over the crossbar as the minutes ticked away.

"We were under a lot of pressure in the second half and our defence, to a man, put their bodies on the line," said the modest Tait.

Elsewhere in the League Cup, First Division Craigroyston proved that they could be the team to watch this season with a 2-1 victory against Premier Division side Vale of Leithen. Jamie Stewart and Stephen Mullen - in the final minute - hit the target for Craigroyston who fell behind to an early goal from Scott Moffat.

Edinburgh City won their second successive game after they travelled to the Borders and defeated Gala Fairydean 1-0 with a strike from Andy Howat midway through the second half. Civil Service Strollers were also in away action and returned to the Capital with a 6-3 win against Coldstream. Liam Jack (2), Chris Inglis (2), John Dunn and Mark Law were the Strollers' scorers while Martin Allan, Martin Tait and John Crawford netted for Coldstream.

Tynecastle recovered from their opening-day defeat to beat Peebles Rovers 2-0 thanks to a goal from Josh Morris and a Darren Aird penalty. Spartans beat Kelso United 2-0 with goals from Scott Fusco and Reece Smith while Leith Athletic and Easthouses Lily drew 1-1. Scott Borthwick had given Easthouses the lead and Jack Combe equalised.

Eyemouth United took a two-goal lead against Preston Athletic who fought back to be 3-2 ahead at half-time with a double from Bryan Wilson and a Kevin Cairnie strike. Eyemouth forced an equaliser in the final minute.

Stirling University beat Ormiston 2-0 with goals from Stephen Hoyle and Rob Pearson. Selkirk drew 2-2 with Gretna 2008 and Hawick Royal Albert lost 6-2 to Berwick Rangers Reserves.

Tonight, Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale meet Heriot-Watt University at Saughton Enclosure, kick-off 7.15pm.