Harestanes Scottish Cup reign over

The holders never really got out the starting blocks until they went three down.

But their fighting comeback proved too little, too late.

Harestanes made a sluggish start but Possil’s quick and eager start showed they were up for the game.

Possil had the ball in the net after 10 minutes but the ‘goal’ was ruled offside by the linesman.

They came close again with a good low shot which ’keeper Travers was down to block, spill and recover quickly enough to push the ball away before their incoming player could get on it.

Possil eventually took the lead when Harestanes failed to clear their lines, their man got on the ball, cut along the goal-line and beat Travers with a deflection off Welsh.

Fitzsimmons came close with a header which went wide from a Mackie corner but Possil should have gone further ahead when the ball was headed over the bar.

Possil scored their second from the penalty spot after Welsh was adjudged to have fouled and only a great block by Travis on ball and player prevented a third.

But it was 3-0 when a long ball down the left was crossed to the right and struck into the far corner.

Harestanes pulled one back when Elliott lobbed the ’keeper and started to put Possil under pressure for the first time.

Mackie upped the tempo when he headed a second but Harestanes ran out of time and their dream of retaining.

Harestanes Tote: no winners, £250 rollover.