Kennoway Star Hearts 0 Oakley United 4, Alex Jack Cup, third round

OAKLEY UNITED boss Peter Goldie saluted his team's "excellent" performance after they reached the semi-finals of the Alex Jack Cup.

The Blairwood Park outfit, who reached the final of the competition in the 2019/20 season, where they lost to Musselburgh Athletic, and will play Whitburn in the last four of this season's tournament, after a convincing win over Kennoway Star Hearts.

Ryan Cowie capitalised on the home goalkeeper spilling a high ball to hook the visitors into a first half lead, before he doubled his side's advantage from close range after the break.

Ryan Yapoudjian finished off a fine team move for Oakley's third goal, before captain, Robbie Breeze, put the icing on the cake with a superb shot from range.

"We were excellent on Saturday from the first whistle," Goldie said.

"We were solid and won our battles all over the park. First half, Kennoway had a few half chances, which Blair Gallagher did well to deal with in goals.

"We then created a few decent chances ourselves and took the lead through Ryan Cowie, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error as he dropped a high ball, and Cowie lifted it over him, and the defender, into the net.

"Cowie got his second from a Derek Murray free-kick, which found Bruce McAdam at the back post. His header back across goal was then headed in by Ryan from close range.

Peter Goldie was delighted with his side's display at Kennoway Star Hearts.Peter Goldie was delighted with his side's display at Kennoway Star Hearts. (Image: David Wardle)

"Our third goal was a great team goal, with Ryan playing a massive part in the build-up. His through pass split the Kennoway defence and found Cai MacDonald, who ran from deep, catching out the Kennoway centre back, and he unselfishly cut the ball back across the box for Ryan Yapoudjian to score.

"Our fourth was the goal of the game from skipper, Robbie Breeze, with a 25-yard piledriver into the top corner.

"We could've had a few more in the last 10 minutes of the game, but can't complain going away from home, scoring four and getting a clean sheet.

"I was delighted with the performance and it was brilliant to see us finally getting a 90 minute performance all over the park.

"We can hopefully build on it now and start getting some points on the board in the league."

Leith Athletic 1 Crossgates Primrose 4, East of Scotland League, First Division

SCOTT HYND continued his red-hot scoring streak by bagging a hat-trick to help Crossgates Primrose move level on points with First Division leaders Camelon Juniors.

The in-form forward took his tally to 12 goals in 10 matches as Alan Campbell's men secured their fifth league win in a row with a fine success at Leith Athletic.

Craig Henderson gave them an eighth minute lead at Meadowbank Stadium, which they quickly doubled 10 minutes later through Hynd.

The visitors went into the interval two goals to the good but, with an hour on the clock, Jack Egan pulled one back for Leith.

However, just three minutes later, Crossgates restored their two-goal advantage from the penalty spot, with Hynd converting, and he completed his treble with 19 minutes to go to seal victory.

Scott Hynd grabbed a hat-trick for Crossgates.Scott Hynd grabbed a hat-trick for Crossgates. (Image: David Wardle.)

With 19 points from eight matches, Primrose are only behind early pacesetters Camelon on goal difference.

"I thought we deserved the win," Campbell commented.

"We were out the blocks quickly again and scored a couple of good goals (in the first half).

"I was a wee bit disappointed only to be two ahead at half-time, given how dominant we were, and that we had chances to put the game to bed.

"2-0 is a dangerous lead, and it proved that way as they scored to get back into the game, but I was pleased with how we responded to that. We didn't let it affect us, like we have in the last couple of games.

"We got back to it and the way we were playing, got our third goal, and then a fourth.

"It was an emphatic win and 4-1 I think was the right scoreline in terms of the balance of play.

"We're not getting ahead of ourselves. There will be a tougher games to come in the winter, so we're just taking it week-by-week just now.

"I have been quite surprised as we cobbled a team together at the start of the season - I think 16 players came in. Results breed confidence, and there's a bit of spirit building amongst them."

Campbell was full of praise for Hynd, and emphasised his work-rate and team contribution in addition to his goals.

"He's a typical centre forward. He has that selfish instinct and wants to score goals," he said.

"But he is the first guy to compliment his team-mates for the service that they give him. Although he gets the headlines, it was a collective team effort on Saturday.

"It's not just his finishes, his work-rate and effort, especially when we've not got the ball, is infectious."

Arniston Rangers 1 Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts 1, East of Scotland League, First Division

SWIFTS boss Gary Sibbald praised his side's defensive work but felt they didn't do enough in attack after they shared the spoils at Arniston Rangers.

Liam Kelly finished off a good move, from Aaron Wood's pass, inside the opening minute to give them the lead, but within five minutes, he hosts were level after Ben McManus converted from the spot after he was fouled in the penalty area.

It meant a repeat of the scoreline when the teams met on the opening day of the season, and the draw stopped a run of two successive defeats for Sibbald's side.

"We defended really well and we've only conceded from penalties in our last two games," he said.

"We're not really being cut open, but we didn't have enough quality to get another goal.

"I'm quite happy as we defended well, were aggressive, won our headers and won the ball back, but didn't have enough quality chances.

"We've been working hard on our defensive work, especially after losing four goals against Heriot-Watt University, being so open and losing a three-goal lead."

Friday's fixture: East of Scotland League, First Division: Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts v Bo'ness Athletic (7.45pm).

Saturday's fixtures (kick-offs 2.30pm): East of Scotland League, First Division: Blackburn United v Crossgates Primrose. Second Division: Coldstream v Oakley United.