Scottish Cup round-up: Late heartache for Haddington as Lothian sides suffer first round exits

In their first-ever Scottish Cup home tie, Haddington, who shocked BSC Glasgow in the second preliminary round, were hopeful of causing another cup upset - but it wasn’t to be.

After a goalless opening half, the visitors took the lead courtesy of a freak goal from Stuart Smith just two minutes into the second half which found it’s way past home goalkeeper Dale Cornet.

Haddington midfielder Stewart O’Neill, a Scotland amateur internationalist who only joined the club recently from local amateur outfit Tollcross Thistle on a short-term deal before the amateur scene resumes, pulled Joe Hamill’s men level with four minutes remaining.

Their efforts to get back into the tie were undone in the final minute, however, as Scott Lisle netted the winner to make it a worthwhile Boxing Day trip for the Highland League outfit.

Elsewhere, Broxburn Athletic lost out 4-3 on penalties away to Nairn County after a goalless 90 minutes and extra-time.

Chris Townsley’s side suffered bad injuries to both striker Gary Brass and goalkeeper Connor Wallace which resulted in them being taken to hospital in Inverness, with suspected ankle and hip ligament damage.

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale also exited the competition at the first round stage as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at home to Banks O’Dee and they ended the tie with just nine men after two players were sent-off.

Preston Athletic weren’t disgraced as they lost 4-1 away to Stenhousemuir with the visitors feeling they were on the rough end of some key refereeing decisions. Striker Johnny Edmond got Preston’s only goal which had made it 2-1 early in the second half.

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