Crossgates Primrose draw as Oakley United win in King Cup

ALAN CAMPBELL is convinced Crossgates Primrose will "turn the corner soon" as their wait for a first league victory since September continues.

The Humbug Park boss felt his team were unfortunate not to take three points against Glenrothes, with the draw keeping them just above their opponents and a place outside the relegation zone.

Despite a bright opening, Crossgates fell behind after the half hour mark when Jordan McKenzie scored for Glenrothes, but in the 65th minute, ex-Kelty Hearts star Ross Philp equalised to secure a share of the points.

Primrose remain a point clear of third bottom Glens and Campbell said: "I think both sets of players deserve credit.

"There was a really strong wind, it was difficult to get the ball down and our pitch at this time of the year is quite heavy. Both sets of players did well to adapt to the conditions.

"I'm a wee bit disappointed not to win. We started the game really well - in the first 10 minutes, we hit the bar, hit the post, had a goal disallowed, had a couple of penalty shouts and their keeper made some great saves.

"Glenrothes started to come into it a wee bit and scored from a set-piece, which we defended poorly. It was the only time we switched off in the 90 minutes, and we got punished.

"I was really pleased with our reaction after half-time. We scored a great goal and I thought, in the last 15-20 minutes, we tried everything to get that second goal. Sometimes, in the final third, we didn't make the right decision.

"I was disappointed not to win, because I felt we deserved the three points, but the positives are how we reacted after half time.

"A win is coming, I've no doubt about that. It's about getting that one win that will get us moving.

"If we get the same effort that we've had in the last couple of weeks, we'll turn the corner soon."

Oakley United 4 Hawick Royal Albert 1, King Cup First Round

OAKLEY UNITED reached the second round of the King Cup after an "excellent" first half display helped them see off Hawick Royal Albert.

Peter Goldie's team were too good for their opponents, who play two divisions below in the East of Scotland League Third Division, at Blairwood Park after an opening 45 minutes in which they sealed their progression.

Almost from the off, Scott Bruce smashed a shot off the bar before Steven Dolan's thunderbolt from outside the penalty area gave them the lead just after the half hour mark.

Bruce McAdam doubled the advantage shortly afterwards thanks to an assist from under-20s product Arron Wilson.

McAdam then turned provider two minutes later, teeing up Ryan Yapoudjian to volley home from six yards, with the goalscorer then winning the ball at the edge of the Hawick box to allow Dolan to set up Bruce for goal number four before the half-time break.

Although Darren Milne's goal deep into stoppage time prevented a clean sheet, Oakley comfortably set up a tie with another Third Division side, West Calder United, in the next round.

Goldie commented: "I was delighted with the first half performance.

"We were excellent from the first whistle and could've been one up in 30 seconds, with Scott Bruce hitting the crossbar from 25 yards with the goalkeeper well beaten.

"We had a few half chances after that, but didn't really trouble the Hawick goalkeeper until we took the lead through a Steven Dolan thunderbolt from outside the box.

"That settled us down and we looked like we could score with every attack after that.

"Second half, we started really well and, again, looked like we could add to our lead, but seemed to take our foot off the pedal and the game fizzled out.

"I was a wee bit disappointed at the goal we lost in the final minute of stoppage time as we were well in control of the game, however, I can't be too disappointed as we are into the next round with a lot of positives to take from the game."

Leith Athletic 5 Rosyth 0, East of Scotland League, First Division

LEITH ATHLETIC turned the tables on Rosyth after a five-star showing earned them victory in the capital last Friday night.

In October, the visitors had recorded a 5-1 triumph over their opponents at the Fleet Grounds, but found themselves on the receiving end of a heavy defeat at Meadowbank Stadium.

Stevie Crawford's side had collected seven points from the last 12 available, but couldn't stop Leith from recording a third straight victory as they continued their climb up the First Division table and away from the relegation zone.

Rosyth, who remain in sixth place, were a goal behind at the break thanks to Sonny Swanson's free-kick, but saw the game move away from them in the second period.

Kayne Paterson doubled Leith's advantage, converting at the back post from a Swanson assist, before adding his second, and his team's third, on the rebound after Swanson had a shot saved.

Cammy Stewart's strike made it four before Paterson fired into the top corner to complete his hat-trick and a tough night for Rosyth.

Meanwhile, Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts had a weekend free of competitive action but travelled to Edinburgh University for a friendly match, losing 3-1.

Saturday's fixtures: East of Scotland League, Premier Division - Crossgates Primrose v Sauchie Juniors (2.30pm), Musselburgh Athletic v Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts (2.30pm). King Cup, Second Round - West Calder United v Oakley United (2pm).