New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup First Round

ARTHURLIE 4

SALTCOATS VICTORIA 4 (Saltcoats won 5-3 on penalties)

SUPER Saltcoats took the scalp of the Premier Division hosts with a stunning performance at Dunterlie Park on Saturday

Remarkably, Gary Russell's understrength team, who had five players missing, were 4-2 up on the Barrhead side before they netted two late goals to set up a thrilling spot-kick finish.

However the visitors held their nerve to progress in the showpiece competition.

This was a thrilling match which saw play swing from end to end and momentum change regularly.

The home side took the lead in 15 minutes. However back came Vics and 10 minutes later it was all-square when caretaker player/boss Russell slipped a pass to Evariste Bembo and he found Mahmadou Diabira who drilled the ball home.

Just before half-time the home side took a shock 2-1 lead when Graeme Condon played a pass to Bembo who chipped a shot over the goalie's head and into the net.

Arthurlie were then reduced to 10 men when a home player was sent off for a second booking.

And Saltcoats capitalised by soaring into a 3-1 lead with the goal of the match in 50 minutes. They won a free-kick 30 yards out and Bembo sent the set-piece soaring into the top corner of the net.

On the hour 'Lie pulled a goal back. However 10 minutes later Vics netted their fourth as Paul Miller beat a defender and crossed into the box for Darren McIntyre to powerfully head home.

Just when it looked like it was game over, Arthurlie scored twice, in 86 and 89 minutes to set up a pulsating finale.

There was more drama to come in the shootout as visiting goalie Chris Wright saved a penalty. Miller, Condon, Andy Cripps, Russell and Bembo all netted for Vics to take them through.

SALTCOATS VICTORIA: Wright; J Cripps, Miller, A Cripps, Grant, Brodie, Diabira, Condon, McIntyre, Russell, Bembo. Sub: Murphy.