Stefan is Lanark United hat-trick hero

The 20-year-old former Airdrie United player made the difference against North Region opponents who proved a tough nut to crack.

"I thought Stefan was outstanding," said United secretary Tam Anderson.

"He is a tremendous young player who is very good on the ball and has good control."

An exciting first half on Saturday saw United having two goals disallowed for offside before being awarded two penalties.

Stefan McCluskey scored with both spot kicks to give United a two goal lead at half-time, but Inverness were back in the hunt when Steven Sanderson netted a right wing cross on 55 minutes.

Lanark kept their composure and on 87 minutes McCluskey completed his hat-trick with a low drive from Alan McFadden's left wing cross.

The draw for the second round of the Emirates Cup will be made in Linlithgow this Sunday.

Meanwhile, despite a remarkable comeback from 5-1 down early in the second half, Carluke Rovers crashed out 6-4 at Ashfield in the Emirates Scottish Cup first round on Saturday.

Lesmahagow Juniors made the long trip to Aberdeen to meet Parkvale in the first round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday, and returned 3-2 victors to secure their place in the hat for round two.

And Forth Wanderers lie second bottom of Central Division 2, with five points from six matches, after Saturday's amazing 5-3 league victory at St Roch's.

For more football news, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.