Lochee United 4 Glenrothes 1

Lochee United put their Scottish Cup disappointment behind them with an ultimately comfortable victory over lowly Glenrothes at Thomson Park.

But it was a tricky first half for the home side playing into a strong wind and the Fifers’ Lee Schiavone wasn’t far away with a 35-yard free kick that went narrowly over the top.

On 10 minutes the Bluebells took the lead. Bryan Deasley did all the work down the right before cutting along the byline. His shot was fumbled by keeper Brandon Connor and Reece RITCHIE was on hand to stab the ball home.

Scott McComiskie and Connor Birse both had headers which went wide as Lochee stepped up the pressure and McComiskie also had a chance when he latched on to a through ball from Danny Millar. The striker lobbed the ball over the keeper but Gary Pearson got back to clear.

There was almost a shock for the home side when the visitors were awarded a penalty, but the linesman’s flag had already gone up for offside, much to the annoyance of the Glens bench.

On the half hour mark Glenrothes were awarded a legitimate penalty when Garry Kenneth brought down Paddy Calderwood and Lee CELENTANO made no mistake from the spot, sending Jordan Millar the wrong way from the spot.

The second half was only two minutes old when Lochee regained the lead. A Dougie Cameron corner was headed on by McComiskie into the path of Danny MILLAR who knocked the ball home from close range.

It was clear that Lochee were in much more determined mood now and they dominated the play from this point, with Keiran McWalter looking particularly impressive in midfield.

They increased their leadon 63 minutes when Birse and Grant Lawson set up DEASLEY to drive the ball low and hard into the far corner.

Lochee United: J Millar, D Millar, Kenneth, Kirk, McComiskie, Cameron (Davie 70), McWalter, Ritchie, Lawson, Birse (Buchan 81), Deasley (Reid 74).

Glenrothes: Connor, Kinnies, Duff, Napier, Pearson, King, Schiavone, Harley (Hutchison 64), Chitemere, Calderwood, Celentano.