Tranent's Scottish Junior Cup tie at Dunterlie Park in Barrhead went ahead at the second time of asking on Saturday, although the inclement weather which had forced postponement a week earlier was not entirely absent.

Given the good start to the season enjoyed by Tam Shields' new-look Tranent, coupled with Arthurlie's indifferent start to their West Superleague campaign, some pundits had forecast a possible cup upset, but the gulf in quality and experience shone through.

Tranent held out until the 24th minute when Lie veteran McLay despatched the ball beyond Sinclair Inglis, who was beaten again eight minutes later from the penalty spot, Stewart the scorer.

Tranent's task looked nigh-on impossible when Ferguson made it 3-0 before half-time, but they battled on gamely and spurned several opportunities to pull a goal back when play commenced again.

Any hopes of a fightback vanished when Ferguson netted again and the striker went on to complete his hat-trick after Arthurlie were awarded a second penalty kick.

While disappointed by the margin of defeat, Tranent won't suffer from the experience and they won't face a team of Arthurlie's quality in the South Division. Realistically, teams in the East Region's district leagues will rarely come out on top against West Superleague sides and it's testimony to the good work carried out at Foresters Park that the team were considered capable of a big cup upset.

Attention turns to the Fife & Lothians Cup tomorrow and a visit from Central Division strugglers Crossgates Primrose. Few will fancy the Fifers' chances and on paper Tranent seem likely to win with goals to spare.