Strollers feel '˜robbed' as Edusport book a semi-final

Civil Service Strollers manager Alex Cunningham bemoaned the loss of a '˜soft' penalty to Edusport Academy in extra time of their South Region Challenge Cup quarter-final.

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The East of Scotland outfit had created a host of chances in the regulation 90 minutes at Renfrew 3G with Davy Stewart, Ian Ballantyne and Jordan Finnie going close against the South of Scotland League side.

But Strollers were penalised in extra time when defender Barry Milvern was reprimanded for a foul inside the area with Edusport converting the resultant penalty to book a semi-final date with Lowland League leaders Edinburgh City.

“I thought the penalty decision was very soft, we’ve maybe been robbed because they hit the bar from the cross into the area and I think the referee should have played on. Barry’s challenge wasn’t heavy,” said Cunningham.

“But they have got some really good technical players and I wish them all the best against Edinburgh City. We’ve got a hectic run of games now starting with Leith in the league tomorrow night,” added the former Spartans manager.

Leith Athletic made it into the second round of The King Cup on Saturday after a 3-0 win at Stirling University, Lewis Tracey and Kerr Allan scored at Gannochy Sports Complex in addition to an own goal.

Tonight, they have the chance to go 19 points clear at the top of The East of Scotland League when they host Civil Service (7.45pm kick-off).

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale defeated Heriot-Watt University 2-1 at Saughton Enclosure, Alan McDonugh and Willis Hare sending Hutchie into the next round of The King Cup, with Chris Donnelly replying for Watt on 75 minutes.

On Friday night, Spartans EoS and Craigroyston served up a six-goal thriller at Ainslie Park after goals from Andy Howat, Mark Gair and Chris Anderson had appeared to put Spartans on easy street after 58 minutes played.

Craigroyston threatened a late comeback with Zack Williams and Greig Tulloch reducing the deficit, but substitute Dylan Tait scored a late fourth for Colin Tomassi’s side.

Tomorrow night in the Central Taxis League Cup first round, Tynecastle host Craigroyston (7.30pm kick-off), whilst Spartans play Coldstream at Ainslie Park (7.45pm kick-off).