Crossgates Primrose and Oakley United in League Cup action

CROSSGATES PRIMROSE were spot-on on Friday night as they edged into the second round of the League Cup at Burntisland Shipyard.

In a match that had six goals, and even floodlight failure during extra time, the Humbug Park outfit prevailed 4-3 in the shoot-out to take their place in the draw tomorrow (Friday).

The visitors, who are third bottom and occupy the final relegation place in the Premier Division, made the short trip with a squad of just 13 players, but started well against Second Division Shipyard.

Cammy Muirhead gave them a third minute lead before another well-worked and finished effort, this time from Craig Henderson, doubled Primrose's advantage midway through the first half.

Shortly before half-time, Dan Thomson pulled a goal back for the hosts, and they equalised seven minutes into the second half through Sam Glancy.

Crossgates began to regain the initiative, however, and led again in the 70th minute when Archie Campbell netted from the penalty spot.

That looked like sending them through but, in the dying seconds, CJ Thomson's effort found the net to take the tie into extra time.

There was a near 10 minute delay when the floodlights went out - which was discovered to have been caused by a timer kicking in and switching them off - but the teams couldn't be separated during the initial 30 minutes.

That led to a penalty shoot-out, which Crossgates were successful in.

Primrose eventually prevailed in a penalty shoot-out. (Image: David Wardle.)

"I suppose if you were a neutral watching it, the game had a bit of everything. It was an exciting game in that there were six goals, a penalty shoot-out, and floodlight failure," Primrose boss Alan Campbell said.

"I'm happy to get through. We had five or six players unavailable, and had a couple on the park who probably shouldn't have played, just with where we are at the moment. To get through the tie, I have the players a lot of credit.

"We were cruising; we were two up, started the game really well, and then they got a goal back before half-time. Their tails were up and, credit to them, made it a proper cup tie.

"I felt we gradually regained control, got the penalty to make it 3-2, but, to be fair to them, in the last 5-6 minutes they threw everything at us.

"We looked a bit better going forward and more creative. Hopefully that'll give us a spark going into this weekend, but defensively be need to be stronger."

Bo'ness Athletic 4 Oakley United 2, East of Scotland League League Cup, First Round

PETER GOLDIE said he felt for his Oakley United players after admitting his side's loss to Bo'ness Athletic late in extra time was "tough to take".

The First Division strugglers recovered from two goals down to take this League Cup first round encounter into an additional 30 minutes thanks to a brace from debutant, Ryan Cowie, but were undone in the closing stages.

Oakley, who hadn't played since picking up a vital league win over Vale of Leithen on February 17, anticipated a tough tie against a Bo'ness side sitting top of the second division with 17 wins from 18 games played.

The visitors were a goal down at the interval thanks to Sandy Cunningham's effort midway through the first half, and the same player added a second six minutes after the restart.

Cowie, on his debut after joining Oakley from Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts, fired home a free-kick with just over 20 minutes to go, before pulling his new team level with 10 minutes left, finishing off Scott Bruce's cutback after excellent play in midfield by Mark Allen to win possession.

That took the game into extra time where, with five minutes to go, Scott Cameron put the hosts back in front from a corner, before Ryan Robertson sealed victory for Bo'ness as Oakley chased an equaliser.

"I felt for the lads on Saturday, having put a lot of effort into the game. To lose two late goals in extra time was tough to take," boss Goldie reflected.

"Credit to Bo'ness though - they are a good side with some top players at this level.

"Going into extra time, we were confident of going through, however a few tired legs and injuries forced us into a few changes of positions which gave Bo'ness the upper hand.

"David Chalmers was excellent for us in goals, making some good saves throughout the game, and Shay Brough had one of his best games for us, so there were plenty of positives to take from it.

"The boys showed great character to come from two goals down, and it was good to see Ryan get off to a good start on his debut as well.

"If we can take the second half performance into the league games then we will be in a good place to pick up points, as we were excellent for 45 minutes. We need to learn to do that for 90 though."

Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts, whose tie at Dunbar United was postponed following a pitch inspection, wished Cowie well on his move, describing him as a "great servant" who signed for them in their first season in senior football.

Saturday's fixtures: East of Scotland League, Premier Division - Crossgates Primrose v Sauchie (2pm), Broxburn Athletic v Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts (2.30pm). First Division - Oakley United v Camelon (2.30pm).