Rhys Davies hits second half hat-trick against Newton Stewart as Luncarty's Scottish Cup dream continues

Luncarty penned another special chapter in a growing Scottish Cup debut success story.

The Bleachers have now booked a ticket for the first round of the main draw after a preliminary round two win down at Newton Stewart on Saturday.

Aaron Carlon provided an early spark to give the Perthshire men the lead, although the hosts did hit back to square things up at the break.

But prolific striker Rhys Davies - labelled the Luncarty Haaland - bagged a second half hat-trick to ensure the bus journey back was a celebratory one.

“Saturday was all about the players,” said proud Luncarty manager Jason McCrindle. “They deserve all the credit.

“It was a huge occasion for the club and huge opportunity to get into the first round proper. The players’ performance is what won them the game.”

Davies’ scoring streak was obviously welcomed, but McCrindle touched on the forward’s work-rate.

McCrindle said: “His performance and the team’s work-rate was typified when he ran 30 yards to chase an almost lost cause and won us possession back.

“That was in the corner in the 90th minute of the game when we were 4-1 up.

“He had already scored a hat-trick by that point but there was a great team work ethic from minute one.

“Rhys is more than a goalscorer. He’s a senior player in the squad now.

“He will score goals but it’s also up to our creative players expressing themselves to provide him with that ammunition.”

In the East of Scotland League Premier Division, Kinnoull recorded a great 2-1 win away at Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts. Mark Mooney and Jamie Mackenzie netted the goals.