Renfrewshire clubs learn Round 4 fate in South Challenge Cup

Three Renfrewshire clubs now know their fate in the fourth round of the Finest Carmats South Region Challenge Cup — and it’s Thorn Athletic who have been handed the hardest test.

The Johnstone-based WoSFL Second Division side have been paired with Lowland League team Tranent, in what will be one of the toughest ties of the round.

In other fixtures involving local clubs, Premier Division rivals Johnstone Burgh and Glenafton Athletic will meet in Ayrshire, while Shotts Bon Accord will host fellow WoSFL Premier Division side Renfrew FC.

Davie Welsh, from the Johnstone-based radio show Scoreboard Spotlight, believes Thorn will relish the stage despite the scale of the task.

He said: “Thorn have been drawn without a doubt the toughest test being drawn a Lowland League side. Thorn are a strong side and will fight all the way. Anything is possible — last weekend Neilston beat Lowland League outfit Linlithgow Rose on penalties.”

Neighbouring East Renfrewshire side Neilston are also involved in the competition. Fresh from their penalty shoot-out heroics in the previous round, they have been rewarded with a home tie against Largs Thistle.

Full Finest Carmats South Challenge Cup:

• Caledonian Braves v Cowdenbeath
• Cumbernauld United v Beith Juniors
• Dundonald Bluebell v Greenock Juniors
• Glenafton Athletic v Johnstone Burgh
• Haddington Athletic v Glasgow United
• Kilbirnie Ladeside v Lochar Thistle
• Kilwinning Rangers v Cumnock Juniors
• Leith Athletic v Kilsyth Rangers
• Muirkirk v Auchinleck Talbot
• Neilston v Largs Thistle
• Shotts Bon Accord v Renfrew
• St Andrews United v Rutherglen Glencairn
• St Roch’s/Crossgates Primrose v Bonnyrigg Rose
• Thorn Athletic v Tranent
• University of Stirling v Ardeer Thistle
• Vale of Clyde v Hurlford United

All fixtures are scheduled to be played on the weekend of 15th November.