Goals galore for West Lothian clubs in cup action

It was goals galore at the weekend as 11 clubs were involved in cup ties that saw a remarkable 63 goals.

Seven local sides progressed while it was the end of the road for four more in a packed day of action.

The lowest scoring affair was also the only West Lothian derby clash as East of Scotland Third Division side Harthill Royal got the better of First Division visitors Blackburn United at Gibbshill Park in the South Challenge Cup.

Fresh off a hat-trick last weekend, Kevin Kalala bagged the game’s only goal to send Royal into the second round.

Livingston United and West Calder United also booked their place in the next round with victories over Linton Hotspur and Tweedmouth Rangers respectively.

Livi travelled to the East of Scotland’s newest team and won a 5-3 thriller in extra-time as braces from Jack Howe and Jordan Mungall along with with a Rhys McDougall strike saw them through while it was a 3-2 win for the Cauther at home to Tweedmouth.

Dean McConnell netted a late winner for United, who had gone in front twice only to be pegged back by the visitors. Craig Johnston opened the scoring with a third minute penalty before jason Gregor restored the lead just before the break only for that to be coughed up again on the hour mark.

Pumpherston and Stoneyburn, however, were knocked out despite valiant efforts against higher level opponents.

Pumphy were edged out 4-3 away to Arniston Rangers. Robbie Ianelli gave the visitors the lead only for them to then ship four without reply. However, goals from Campbell Anthony and an Ianelli second almost saw them produce a remarkable fightback before falling just short.

Stoneyburn found the net four times at home to Edinburgh United - but that wasn’t enough to avoid defeat as they