GIANT KILLERS

The biggest drama of the day was at Guy’s Meadow where Cumbernauld United beat high-flying Arthurlie on penalties after a tight one-all draw.

Meanwhile, at Moor Park, Kilsyth Rangers brushed aside Lanark United with an impressive 3-1 win which will make those in the higher echelons of the Junior game stand up and take note.

Cumbernauld boss Danny Drew said: “What a great result for us. Arthurlie are a top team who are up there third from top of the Premier and are always challenging for trophies.

“We created plenty of chances and were solid at the back. We could’ve won the game with the chances we had. The boys were in challenging and scraping for every ball. I was really proud of them on Saturday.

“We brought John Rennie and McPhee into the centre of midfield to close them down and break up their play. They were both outstanding. But everyone knew their jobs and they were all brilliant.”

Kilsyth assistant Martin Mooney said: “It was a really good performance, especially when we lost an early goal from what was a very dubious penalty.

“You’re always looking to see how the boys are going to react and they were magic on Saturday, they just kept going all game.

“Every single one of our goals was a great goal. At the moment, the way we’re playing we’re not bothered who we play because the players are just full of confidence.”

United’s win over Arthurlie has earned them a second round home tie against fellow Super League First Division side Renfrew, who they have yet to face this season in the league following three postponements.

Rangers have also been drawn against Super League First opposition, they will face Ashfield at Duncansfield. A date is yet to be set for the fixtures.

This weekend will see both sides return to league business, with Cumbernauld hoping to take a renewed confidence with them to Abbey Park to face Kilwinning Rangers.

Drew added: “I said to the boys after the Arthurlie game, ‘That’s the break we’ve been needing for a few weeks now’. That result that just gives everyone a lift.

“Kilwinning have just sacked their manager but they’ve been playing well and won again at the weekend. I know a bit about their players, I actually tried to sign their captain for Cumbernauld when I came here.

“All our set-pieces looked good against Arthurlie and we just need to take that along with the extra bit of belief we’ve gained into this one.”

Meanwhile, Kilsyth will face Glasgow Perthshire at Duncansfield.

Mooney added: “My brother manages Greenock, he was telling me that they’ve [Glasgow Perthshire] got a big, physical striker. But I’m just concentrating on our own team.

“As long as we play the way we have been playing in the last few games and keep defending well then it won’t matter who we play because we know we can get a result against anyone.”