EAST Lothian's representation in the South Challenge Cup dwindled over the weekend as four of the county’s six sides were eliminated.

Musselburgh Athletic and Preston Athletic overcame away trips to reach the third round but Dunbar United, Haddington Athletic, Ormiston Primrose and Tranent were all knocked out.

Craig Stevenson opened the scoring after his penalty was saved and Nathan Evans doubled the advantage from the spot as Musselburgh overcame Saltcoats Victoria.

Preston Athletic went one better on their trip to Vale of Leithen as they came through 3-0.

Dean Ballantyne opened the scoring midway through the first half and Jack Gillan netted the second just moments later.

 

 

A second half free-kick from Lewis Inglis ensured it was the Prestonpans side progressing.

It was a close contest between Troon and Dunbar United with the only goal coming from Nathan Baird on 23 minutes.

Tranent were also on their travels and came up against fellow Lowland League side East Kilbride.

Joao Balde opened the scoring for the hosts before Dean Brett levelled things up from the penalty spot.

East Kilbride would grab a winner three minutes from time when Sean Fagan found the net.

Haddington Athletic (maroon) lost out at home to Kilsyth AthleticHaddington Athletic (maroon) lost out at home to Kilsyth Athletic (Image: Newsquest)

In East Lothian, both Haddington Athletic and Ormiston Primrose lost out.

Craig Reid had opened the scoring for the Hi Hi against Kilsyth Athletic but the scores were level before the break when Dale Fulton found the net.

It looked as if the game would finish level but Fulton popped up with the winner in stoppage time.

Cowdenbeath held a 2-0 lead at half time at New Recreation Park thanks to goals from Gregor Jordan and an own goal.

Immediately after the restart, the hosts pulled one back through Calvin Souness.

Unfortunately, Ormiston’s chances of finding an equaliser were dashed just moments later as former Haddington Athletic man Riley Haston found the net for the visitors.

Ormiston Primrose (black and white) went down to Cowdenbeath at New Recreation ParkOrmiston Primrose (black and white) went down to Cowdenbeath at New Recreation Park (Image: Newsquest)

Daryl Healy added a fourth a few moments later to ensure it was Cowdenbeath progressing.

Tranent are back in action tomorrow (Tuesday) when they travel to Gretna 2008 in the Lowland League.

The remaining county clubs have to wait until Saturday before getting back on the pitch.

In the East of Scotland Football League Premier Division, Dunbar United host Luncarty while Musselburgh Athletic welcome Glenrothes and Haddington Athletic travel to St Andrews United.

Preston Athletic are back at the Pennypit as they host Bo’ness Athletic in the First Division.

Finally, Ormiston Primrose welcome Lochgelly Albert in the Third Division.