A perfect ten for Capital clubs as they target Scottish Cup glory

The results show the strength of the Capital’s Lothian and Amateur Football Association (LEAFA) and this tally could be increased to 11 this Saturday if Edinburgh Rose AFC successfully dispose of Drumchapel FP with their third-round encounter still to be concluded.

East Linton, currently lying second in Lothian East section, secured their passage into the next phase with goals from Gary Fairgrave, Craig McIntosh and Jamie Jackson ensuring a 3-0 victory over Ashvale Vics with manager Gordon Rollo acknowledging the victory was fully justified despite issues with squad limitations.

He said: “In terms of opposition, we weren’t really sure what to expect to be honest. We were short of numbers and never played that great.

“We’re not going to win the competition so we’ll take whatever comes our way. I’d like to think we can get through some more rounds though.”

Fernieside player/manager Brian Anderson was realistic in his estimations after his team’s 7-2 defeat of Arbroath Harp. Conceding he had aspirations for Premier Division 2 league honours this year, the Scottish Cup has provided a welcome distraction from some disappointing performances in the league. They now travel to face Cotters FC in the fourth round.

Anderson said: “We were quite fortunate with the draw we were given because their team has had a bye through every round for one reason or another. We knew prior to the game they hadn’t been doing too great and without being disrespectful as we’re not doing particularly well either, we did expect a tougher match. They were a very young side and maybe a little bit of naivety showed within their play.

“I’m delighted to have got this far so I’m happy where we are. I know most of the guys in the team have never really been any further so it’s a new experience. We’re hoping that this can help us in the league. We had a good chance of winning the league but I think the start we have had has blown any chance of that.”

Edinburgh South Vics recorded an even greater victory with a 7-0 rout of Jimmy Johnstone Academy. The Premier Division 1 team’s manager Johnny Love believes his side has shown more hunger in recent weeks which has coincided with a change in fortune after beginning the league campaign with four defeats from six played.

He said: “We were quite confident before the game as we’re on quite a good run just now. We signed a couple of new strikers at the beginning of October so they’ve proved quite a force for us. But we didn’t play well and they missed a penalty in the first half with a chance to go 1-0 up and then had a player sent-off when we were 2-0 ahead so it was just one of those games.

“We’ve been drawn away to Red Star AFC who are from Argyll so we’re pleased about that as we like away ties in the Scottish as it’s great for team bonding and we all have a good time.”

In addition to Whitson Star and Edinburgh South Vics, Dalkeith MW, Loanhead MW and Musselburgh Ams will provide strong opposition from Premier Division 1, whilst Whitburn Ams and LBC Lochend from Lothian West, will hope for further success after coming through their away ties 2-0 and 3-2 respectively.

Sole representatives from Edinburgh West, Cramond FC, have been rewarded with a home tie against Strathclyde University AFC after their 3-2 victory over Newport.