East End are the sole north representatives in the last-16 of this season’s Scottish Junior Cup after seeing off Championship Newmachar United at New Advocates Park.
The Aberdeen side have set up a trip to Larkhall Thistle at the start of next month.
Hosts East End found themselves two up after only 20 minutes.
In the fifth minute, Josh Bolton chased down a pass back to block the keeper’s attempted clearance and knocked the loose ball into the net, before Cai Matthew tapped home at the back post following a cross.
That was how it stood at the interval and Newmachar got themselves right back into it with a crisp finish from Liam Mewse following a corner.
However, the home side restored their two-goal cushion when Ross Chourman finished from close range after a good move.
End boss Stuart Whicher reflected on a good afternoon for his side, saying: “It was a decent game and they pushed us make no mistake.
“Some of the older committee members were saying this is the furthest we’ve ever gone in the national competition. It’s a shame that we’re the only north side left but obviously, it’s great for us.
“It’s going to be tough at Larkhall. Irrespective of what division they’re in, they’ll play to a good standard, but, as I’ve always said, in a cup match the form book goes out the window.
“We’re really looking forward to it and, over 90 minutes, we’ll fancy our chances against anyone.
“We’re a young squad and the trick is to improve our consistency so that we play at the required level week in, week out.”
East End boss delighted at comeback
Stuart has been delighted at the reaction from his squad since the 5-1 Grill League Cup defeat by Culter at the start of October.
He added: “It was one of our worst-ever performances, especially in the first half. But we’ve come back and won four on the bounce.
“It’s also great to be back at New Advocates Park – for some reason teams don’t like coming here and we want to make it something of a fortress.”
This Saturday, East End begin their defence of the North Regional Cup when Longside visit, another encounter Stuart is relishing, with the manager saying: “We’ve no fresh injury worries and the boys who are out should all be back in time for the Larkhall match.
“We expect the Longside game to be similar to the Newmachar one and it’s one we will not treat lightly.”
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