Threave Rovers gaffer claims side can compete in West of Scotland League Premier Division

Threave Rovers gaffer Danny Dunglinson reckons his side is capable of playing in the top tier of the West of Scotland League.

The Third Division outfit beat Benburb 4-2 in the SFA South Region Challenge Cup on Saturday – a fortnight after they’d beaten fellow Premier division side Glenafton Athletic by the same scoreline in the Scottish Cup.

Dunglinson said: “I said on Saturday to a couple of the committee and chairman that if we were to lift the team we have now and put us in the premier, I’ve no doubt we would survive and would compete.

“Getting there is harder than staying in it at the moment and that’s got to be the long term aim.

“If we can keep this squad together, and they’re all very young, there’s no reason why we can’t kick on.

“We’ve played two premier division teams and we’ve scored eight goals. Our front three will always score goals at any level and probably are playing a level below themselves.

“When we play these bigger teams it’s good for the boys to realise where they’re at and see the potential they’ve got.”

Dylan Cairnie put Threave ahead after just a few minutes on Saturday, Harry Officer getting the second in the 33rd minute.

The lead remained intact until early in the second half when Benburb scored through Jordan Bow but Officer soon restored the two goal advantage.

Benburb closed the gap midway through the half through Sallu Turay before Officer completed his second hat-trick in as many games to ensure it was Threave who progressed.

Dunglinson said: “Harry is 18 and he’s unbelievable – I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t play full-time football at some stage.

“Until two weeks ago he just couldn’t get that first goal of the season - now he’s scored six in two games, he’s