A FIVE-STAR performance moved Musselburgh Athletic into second spot in the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) Premier Division on Saturday.

The Honest Toun team were the big winners among East Lothian's sides, with Dunbar United and Preston Athletic also picking up three welcome points.

Tranent progressed in the Scottish Junior Cup while, in the EoSFL, Haddington Athletic lost out at St Andrews United and Ormiston Primrose went down by the only goal against Lochgelly Albert.

Musselburgh got off to the perfect start against Glenrothes when Andy Dempster scored in the opening five minutes.

Gabri Auriemma netted 10 minutes before the break before the visitors pulled one back in the second half.

 

 

Auriemma grabbed his second of the game before Jackson Barker killed off any chance of a comeback and there was still time for Jordan Smith to find the target.

At the opposite end of the county, all three goals came in the opening 25 minutes at New Countess Park.

Luncarty opened the scoring with just seconds on the clock before an own goal barely two minutes later pulled Dunbar level.

Former Preston Athletic player/manager Paul Currie then marked his debut with the winning goal for Dunbar.

Meanwhile, Haddington seemed on their way to three points at St Andrews United in a game where all the goals came in the final 35 minutes.

 

 

Gary Windram and Robbie Peffers had the visitors 2-0 up just past the hour mark.

However, strikes from Lewis Craik, Freddie Rowe and a winner from Owen Andrew two minutes from time turned the game on its head.

Preston’s impressive start under Stevie McLeish continued as a Dean Ballantyne hat-trick gave them three points against Bo’ness Athletic.

The visitors to the Pennypit had taken the lead on the quarter-hour mark before a Ballantyne double had Preston in front at the break.

He wrapped up his treble from the penalty spot before Bo’ness Athletic ensured a nervy end to the game.

Preston Athletic (blue) edged a five-goal thriller with Bo'ness AthleticPreston Athletic (blue) edged a five-goal thriller with Bo'ness Athletic (Image: Gordon Bell)

Finally, a first half goal was all that separated Lochgelly Albert and Ormiston Primrose over 90 minutes at New Recreation Park.

St Roch’s and Tranent could not be separated over 90 minutes in the Scottish Junior Cup.

Dean Brett, Adam McGowan, Conor Doan, Euan Greig and Scott Gray all found the net in the shootout to set up a tie with Petershill next month.

This weekend, five of the county sides are in action with the Scottish Cup taking centre stage.

Musselburgh Athletic welcome Darvel to Olivebank Arena while Bo’ness Athletic head to the New Countess Park home of Dunbar United.

Tranent face a trip to Dundee North End.

In EoSFL action, Preston head to Kinnoull in the First Division while Ormiston host Edinburgh United in the Third Division.