FOUR Ayrshire amateur football sides are continuing to fly the flag for the region in the national cup competition.

Five sides from the county featured in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup this weekend, vying for a place in the last 16.

With the final played at Hampden Park, and the winners earning a spot in preliminary qualifying in the senior Scottish Cup, it without doubt the biggest contest played in the amateur game.

And a quartet of teams remain in the mix - with the only side to exit involved in an all Ayrshire tie.

Three sides to progress all ply their trade in Ayrshire's top amateur division, with some familiar names making their way into the latter stages.

Glenburn Minors Welfare AFC progressed with little issue, defeating Dundee Social 6-0 in Lochee at the weekend.

Aidan Connor opened the scoring before Steven Currie notched twice to give the Prestwick side a 3-0 lead at the break.

A second half double from Harry McLarty and a Morgan Bird finish then secured Glenburn's spot in the final 16.

Annbank United AFC have certainly made their mark in the Scottish Cup over the last two season since forming - reaching the quarter finals on both occasions.

They are nearly at that stage once again after a resounding 7-0 victory away to Earlston Rhymers.

It was a slow start for The Bankies though, who only opened the scoring on 31 minutes when Euan Alexander netted the only goal of the first half.

Ayr Advertiser: Four Ayrshire sides secured their places in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup this weekend.

Credit: David Andrews

Though the away upped the gears in the second 45 scoring six goals thanks to goals from Lee Sloan, Adam Smith, Adam Forsyth and a Yusuf Ulukus hat-trick.

Renowned Ayrshire side Shortlees also progressed, and will no doubt be one of the favourites to win the competition.

Forming in 2010, the Kilmarnock side won the competition back in 2018 and won one senior Scottish Cup prelim round before just missing out on the competition proper.

They boosted their hopes of winning once again with a superb 3-1 victory away to Alva AFC.

A double from Kris Chisholm and a Mark Walker strike gave Shortlees a 3-0 lead and they held on despite a consolation goal from their hosts.

The final Ayrshire side to progress may have less history in the competition than their fellow county sides, but will certainly feel capable of causing some shocks.

Mauchline United have impressed in Ayrshire's bottom division this season, dropping points only twice as they top the table.

They progressed into the last 16 after a hard fought 3-1 victory away to league rivals Beith AFC - leading to wild celebrations.

Brandon Sloan notched a double in the match, and with the tie finely poised at 2-1 in the final stages Marc Dyer slotted home on the counter attack to ensure progression for the village outfit.

The draw for the last 16 will be made at a later date.