FORMER senior football striker Jon Scullion earned praise this week after helping steer former winners Kilbirnie Ladeside into the last 16 of the Scottish Junior Cup.

The ex-Morton target man scored both goals in the 2-1 fourth round win against Forfar West End.

This sets up a fifth round tie at home to Kilwinning Rangers' conquerors Bo'ness United on Saturday, February 17.

Assistant manager Gordon Robertson was delighted with the result and told Sportscene: "It has been a bit stop-start for us in terms of getting games on but a lot of teams are the same. I don't feel we played particularly well in the first half but were better after the break and in cup competitions, it's sometimes just about getting results and going through.

"Forfar West End are not a bad side and it was never going to be easy. We went behind early on but came back well."

He added: "I was delighted for Jon, who scored two good goals. It was great we had the opportunity to sign him in the summer and we had to work hard to persuade him to come on board. Obviously I hope he will be at Kilbirnie for as long as possible as he is a real quality player. But it would be good if he was to get another opportunity in the senior game, he has played at that level before."

Looking ahead to the last 16 clash Robertson said: "We have a great incentive to win as we would be in the quarter-finals and it's good to get another home tie.

However the Ladeside number two is for now focusing on Saturday's visit to Holm Park for a Premier Division clash with his former side Clydebank.

He added: "Clydebank are at the bottom of the league and battling for points. We had a tough game against them at home in September but won. The target on Saturday is to take all three points and get us back into the title race."

Beith Juniors, meanwhile joined their Garnock Valley rivals in the last 16 of the Scottish Junior Cup with a thumping 6-2 win away to Jeanfield Swifts.

Their reward is a trip to Midlothian to face Bonnyrigg Rose.

Manager Johnny Millar said: "We did really well to take an early two-goal lead but had a bit of panic when they scored twice before half-time. After the break we were in control and scored some good goals. It's great to be through and it will be a tough tie at Bonnyrigg. But we will be going there to win the game."

Before that on Saturday, Beith head to Guys Meadow Stadium to face Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

Millar said: "Hopefully the game will be on despite the weather and we will be looking to win."