IT was a busy weekend for football sides across Ayrshire as most took a brief break from league action.

SeveralΒ of the area's West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) teams took a step back from league duties to compete in the historic Scottish Junior Cup competition.

There was just one league match in Ayrshire, in the top WoSFL Premier Division.

Two of the county's top sides met at Barrfields Park as Largs Thistle picked up an impressive 3-1 win over Auchinleck Talbot.

Goals from Will Sewell, Lewis Davidson and Blair Devine gave the home side a 3-0 lead at half-time.

Ross Smith saw red for the visitors in the second 45, though the 10 men got a goal back through Ruaridh Langan with 20 minutes left to play. Despite this, there would be no comeback and Stuart Davidson's side claimed all three points.

On to the cup action and there was varying success for Ayrshire's sides as they competed for a place in the third round of the Scottish Junior Cup.

There were positive results in North Ayrshire as Three Towns sides Ardeer Thistle and Ardrossan Winton Rovers both secured their progression.

Ardeer welcomed Dundee St James to Stevenston and put in an impressive showing to win the match 3-0.

Meanwhile, Ardrossan Winton Rovers had to work hard as they welcomed Kirriemuir Thistle to Winton Park.

After a tough battle, Gavin Friels' side earned their spot in the next round courtesy of a 3-2 win.

A few Ayrshire sides were on their travels in the competition, with in-form Muirkirk Juniors facing a trip north to face Banks o' Dee.

It was worth the journey for the East Ayrshire outfit, as Ross Cusick's men progressed to the next round after picking up a thrilling 5-3 win.

Maybole Juniors faced a similar journey as they headed up to play Buchanhaven Hearts in their second round clash.

The South Ayrshire side headed home happy and after a strong defensive showing they progressed thanks to a 2-0 win.

Darvel put their poor start to the league campaign to one side as the reigning champions of the competition moved into the next round after a comfortable 6-0 win away to Coupar Angus.

Not every Ayrshire side enjoyed the same success, however, with some crashing out at theΒ first hurdle.

That was the case for Craigmark Burntonians, who fell to a 4-0 defeat at home to last season's runners-up Arthurlie.

It was the same story for Dalry Thistle, who exited the competition after a tough 3-2 defeat at home to Longside.

One of the most eye-catching results of the weekend was produced by Troon FC, who travelled to face Dufftown in their second round tie.

They hit the home side for a dozen as they picked up a dominant 12-2 victory to earn their spot in round three.

Paul Paton was in charge of Glenafton Athletic for the first time on Saturday, with his first match in the dugoutΒ coming away to Ellon United.

It was the perfect start for the former Dundee United man as he led his side to a 4-1 victory - earning a spot in the next stage.

Saltcoats Victoria were handed a tough task in their round two fixture, with the WoSFL Fourth Division side heading up to face Premier Division outfit Gartcairn.

The top league side showed their class throughout the match and progressed to the next round following a 5-0 victory.

Unfortunately for 2023 champions Cumnock Juniors, they fell at the first hurdle this year.

They travelled north to face an in-form Hermes side, who notched late to earn a 3-3 draw and take the match to penalties.

They then earned their spot in the next round after winning the shoot-out 5-4.

There was varying success over in Irvine with both of the town's sides at home for their second round fixtures.

Irvine Meadow moved into the next round after being made to work for their 2-1 win over Glasgow Perthshire.

While Irvine Victoria came crashing out after the WoSFL Third Division side lost 3-0 to First Division outfit Rutherglen Glencairn.

Kello Rovers have earned their spot in the third round after an impressive 4-0 win at home to Stonehaven on Saturday.

Kilbirnie Ladeside will be joining them after battling to a 3-2 victory at home to 2022 finalists Yoker Athletic.

Lugar Boswell Thistle earned a spot in the next round, under slightly unusual circumstances.

The Jaggy Bunnets led Forres Thistle 7-0 with 29 minutes left to play when an opposition player sustained a severe ankle injury.

An ambulance was called and a lengthy wait ensued, meaning the match was abandoned.

Given the circumstances, and after discussions with the relevant bodies, Forres forfeited the tie to avoid the need for a reply - and Lugar have taken their spot in round three.

One further Ayrshire side earned their spot in round three, with 2014 winners Hurlford United picking up a 2-0 victory away to Thorniewood United.

There was just one more match in Ayrshire over the weekend, in the Strathclyde Demolition Cup.

The tournament features sides who are not SFA licensed and do not compete in the Scottish Junior Cup - providing a potential route into the senior Scottish Cup.

Kilwinning side Eglinton FC are the only Ayrshire representatives, and earned a spot in the semi-finals on Saturday following a 2-0 win at home to St Peter's.

All of Saturday's results are available online atΒ wosfl.co.uk/matchHub.html.

The Scottish Junior Cup third round draw is also available online via the Scottish Junior FA X (formerly Twitter) account.