Matchday - Wednesday Roundup

The second batch of first round games in the CIS Insurance Cup took place tonight. Eight teams where in action across the country, including the last two representatives from the north-east of Scotland, Arbroath (currently leading the Second division) and Brechin City.

Yesterdays round of games provided plenty of goals and a fair share of excitement. Morton and Stranraer fought out a nine goal thriller, Annan Athletic did themselves proud again as they held Dumbarton to a 1-1 draw, eventually going out on penalties; Alan Inglis was the unlucky player to have his penalty saved. As an aside, there's a good piece by Annan team captain Chris Jardine on the BBC describing the Galabankies exciting first week in the senior league.

A red card, a missed penalty and a whole host of missed chances nearly put Raith Rovers out against Albion Rovers. In another match that went to penalties (the game finished scoreless after ninety minutes), David McGurn was the hero for Raith Rovers as he saved two of Albion's spot kicks. Gareth Wardlaw put Raith in the draw for the next round when he cooly converted his spot-kick.

With that quick recap out of the way, let us move on to tonight's games. Like last night, there where no real surprises with victories for the teams from higher divisions and those in good form. Thankfully, there where no penalty shootouts or red cards. We start our roundup in Stenhousemuir where East Stirlingshire took on Livingston. Could the team once dubbed "Britain's Worst Football Team" cause an upset and knock out First Division opposition? Read on ...

East Stirlingshire 1-2 Livingston
It was Third Division against First Division on the artificial pitch at Stenhousemuir (where Falkirk based East Stirlingshire play their home games). The Shire had played Livingston only five times previously, with three wins for Livi  and two games ending in 1-1 draws. The last time these two sides played was in another Cup competition, the Challenge Cup. Livi won 2-1 on that September 2000. Tonight's game then had history favouring Livingston to win, and they didn't disappoint. Liam Fox scored what looked liked the winning goal on 80 minutes, but with the guard down and their minds on the next round, the lack of concentration allowed Brian Graham to score for East Stirlingshire to put the game intro extra time.  Livingston's Gordon Smith avoided the match going to penalties when he restored Livi's lead with seven minutes to go in the second period of extra time. Livingston go through, East Stirlingshire.  Match Report.

Ayr United 2-1 Berwick Rangers
Ayr United beat Berwick Rangers 4-0 on two occasions last season as the men from just across fought their losing battle against relegation.  Berwick got off to a good start at Somerset Park when on 12 minutes, former St. Johnstone and Clyde midfielder David Greenhill scored. But two goals from Chris Aitken and Alex Williams right before half time tilted the tie in Ayr's favour. Ayr hung on right through the second half to book their place in the next round. Match Report.

Arbroath 3-2 Stirling Albion
Second division leaders Arbroath met Stirling Albion for the first time this season. Albion where relegated at the end of last season and meet a side they struggled to beat when these two last shared a division: one win in four attempts for Stirling Albion made the Red Lichties favourites in this game. Against the run of play it was Stirling Albion though who scored first. Barely five minutes where on the clock when Andy Graham put Albion ahead. Arbroath equalised just after the restart through Kevin McMullan. Ian Harty restored Albion's lead again a few minutes later. The Binos where not let rest though as Kenny Wright equalised for Arbroath in the 64th minute. With time running out, Arbroath pressed forwards hoping to avoid a tiring extra-time and potential penalties and their persistence paid off on 80 minutes when James Bishop put the ball in the net and Arbroath into the next round. Match Report.

East Fife 0-3 Brechin City
These two sides met for the second time in cup competitions this season. Only two weeks ago it was East Fife who won the tie with a comfortable, if narrow win as former City favourite Chris Templeman scored in the 69th minute. So would it be second time lucky for Brechin City? Well, the answer was a resounding yes as The City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners with Gary Twigg, David White and central defender John Ward getting the goals - and sweet revenge. Match Report.

So with the first round out of the way, these are the teams that made it through to the second round: from the First Division we have Airdrie United, Clyde, Dunfermline, Livingston, Morton, Partick Thistle and St Johnstone. The Second Division is represented by Alloa Athletic, Arbroath, Ayr United and Brechin City, while in the Third Division only Cowdenbeath and Dumbarton make it through.

The next round of games will take place on the 26th August and sees the teams from the SPL who didn't qualify for Europe make their appearance. We'll have all the news and previews of the second round for you nearer the date.