THERE were just a handful of league matches played across the West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) in Ayrshire at the weekend.

On Saturday, October 5, most sides faced off against opposition in the first and second rounds of the league cup - or West of Scotland Cup.

And it was shock troops who nearly stole the headlines - only to fall agonisingly short of causing an upset.

At Valefield Park in Kilbirnie, First Division side Ardrossan Winton Rovers hosted Premier Division outfit Clydebank, who are yet to drop any points this season.

Winton put league standings to one side to take the lead in the match, before being pegged back to draw 1-1.

The tie went straight to penalties, and it was the Bankies who prevailed after a thrilling shootout in round one.

Another Three Towns side were out to cause a shock on Saturday, with Ardeer Thistle travelling to Dunterlie Park to face Arthurlie in a second round clash.

Despite being two leagues below, Sean Kenney's Ardeer also took the lead, before the tie was levelled and finished one apiece.

Unfortunately for Thistle, it was the same story as they lost on penalties to last season's Scottish Junior Cup finalists.

(Image: Ardeer Thistle)

Elsewhere in the first round, not many would have given Second Division struggles Craigmark Burntonians a chance as they faced off against Premier Division high-flyers Largs Thistle.

Despite Thistle going two goals up, Craigmark battled back and levelled the tie before full time, securing a 2-2 draw and a chance at penalties.

However, the top division side spared their blushes as they won the shootout 4-1.

One side who did knock out higher league opposition was Dalry Thistle, who played Maryhill in round one.

Despite being a league below their opponents, Chris Wilson's side progressed courtesy of a 4-2 win at Merksworth Park.

There was an all Premier Division clash over at Loch Park, where Glenafton were aiming to kick on after the appointment of new manager Paul Paton.

Despite taking the lead, it wasn't to be for the Glens who fell to a 4-1 defeat and exited the competition.

Fellow East Ayrshire side Darvel did, however, secure their spot in round two, after winning 4-1 away to Greenock Juniors.

Kilwinning club Eglinton FC also failed in their mission to cause a cup shock, as they lost out 4-0 against Thorniewood United despite competing well for large periods.

In second round fixtures, Kello Rovers came crashing out despite running Cumbernauld United - who are three divisions ahead of Kello - mightily close.

The Fourth Division outfit were always in the tie but they lost 1-0 when the full time whistle blew.

Girvan FC also fell at the second round hurdle, as they conceded two late goals in a 3-0 loss to 10-men Kilsyth Athletic. 

Lugar Boswell Thistle also came crashing out of the competition, with Forth Wanderers winning 5-1 in their tie at Rosebank Park.

Elsewhere in East Ayrshire, Muirkirk Juniors continued their excellent form this season - securing progression with a 2-1 win over Knightswood.

There were to be no shocks in the final matches of the weekend, with Kilbirnie Ladeside winning comfortable, 4-0, away at Rossvale.

Hurlford United avoided upset at Campbell Park as they won 5-0 away to Fourth Division side Saltcoats Victoria.

(Image: Craig McGhee)

And Auchinleck Talbot kept their cup hopes going with a straightforward 6-0 victory away at Vale of Clyde.

Away from cup action, while league action was scarce there were some vital matches played across Ayrshire.

In the Premier Division's only fixture, Beith travelled to Portland Park to play Troon FC.

The match started in frantic fashion, with Beith taking the lead before the tables were turned by two quickfire Troon goals.

(Image: Stephen Kerr)

Steven Noble then saw red before half time, before the home side scored another double in the second 45 to win the match 4-1.

In the First Division, Irvine Meadow were looking to kick on after their Scottish Cup victory last weekend.

However, it wasn't to be for Ben Carson's side who remain in the relegation zone after losing 1-0 at home to Rutherglen Glencairn.

In the Second Division, it was a great weekend for the Ayrshire sides in action.

Bonnyton Thistle are battling at the bottom end of the table and picked up a vital three points as they won 1-0 at home to Bellshill Athletic.

While at the other end, Whitletts Victoria edged closer to the league's summit with a 3-1 win away at Cambuslang Rangers.

The final Ayrshire side in action were Irvine Victoria, who faced Glasgow United in a Third Division clash.

It was a disappointing result for the North Ayrshire side, who remain second bottom after they lost 4-1 at Victoria Park.