TRANENT Junior's hopes of lifting the South Challenge Cup were ended by Gartcairn on Saturday as fellow county sides took part in League Cup action at the weekend.

The Belters are battling it out at the top of the Scottish Lowland Football League but suffered a surprise cup defeat in Airdrie.

Gartcairn took the lead in the first half before James Keatings produced an equaliser for Tranent shortly before the break.

But Gartcairn again took the lead in the second half and held on to progress.

Tranent face Open Goal Broomhill in what will be a must-win game away from home on Saturday if they want to keep their hopes of a league title alive.

In the League Cup, Haddington Athletic were comfortable 5-0 winners over Craigroyston.

Goals from Ali Simpson, Ethan Williams, Dylan Tait and a double from Gabri Auriemma made it a comfortable victory to see them through to the next round.

Haddington return to league action on Saturday with a home game against Sauchie.

Musselburgh Athletic also progressed with a narrow late win 2-1 away to Glenrothes.

George Hunter gave the visitors the lead in the first half before the hosts drew level.

But it was Nathan Evans who would be the hero with a 93rd minute strike to secure the 2-1 win.

Musselburgh face Blackburn United in the league on Saturday away from home.

Dunbar United were beaten 1-0 away to Lochore Welfare in a tight contest.

Both sides looked dangerous throughout but it was the hosts with that extra bit of quality to see them through.

Dunbar face more cup action tomorrow (Tuesday) with a home tie against Fauldhouse in the King Cup second round.

The winner will play away to Luncarty in the third round on Saturday.

Preston Athletic were knocked out of the competition after a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Broxburn.

A minute's applause was held before the game for supporter Graham Allan who passed away last month.

Broxburn led 2-0 at half-time before the hosts pulled one back through Byron Archibald with 30 minutes to play.

But it was not enough and the visitors progressed.

Preston face another cup tie tomorrow (Tuesday) when they visit Whitehill Welfare in the King Cup second round.

Ormiston Primrose were also comfortably beaten 3-0 away to Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.

The hosts looked far superior against their struggling opponents as they crashed out of the cup.

Ormiston return to cup action again on Saturday against Hawick at home in the King Cup second round.