St Cuthbert Wanderers put in a five star performance to see off Lochmaben on Saturday.
Cameron Shaw, Reece McAteer, Derek Armstrong, Aaron Mooney and John Renwick scored as Saints ran out 5-0 winners to progress in the SFA South Region Challenge Cup.
The result came a week on from the Kirkcudbright side’s win over Upper Annandale ended a three game losing streak.
Manager Josh Gardner said: “I don’t think we’ve fully turned the corner yet but we’re definitely heading in the right direction. I feel as if from the Threave game the performances have been much better.
“We played Lochmaben before and we only won 3-2 so I wasn’t expecting to win 5-0.
“The boys were brilliant and it was good to pick up our first clean sheet of the season as well.
“The first five minutes we were a bit shaky but from there on in we were pretty dominant. The only disappointment is we should have scored more goals but it was pleasing to see five different goalscorers but the clean sheet was the most important thing.”
The clean sheet also coincided with a debut for new goalkeeper Konar Pietsch, who has arrived on loan from Queen of the South.
Gardner said: “He didn’t have a lot to do, although he had a few things in the opening parts of the game. We had to get a goalkeeper in because of things that have happened in that department.
“He’s settled in with the boys and his distribution with the ball from the back was brilliant. He’ll have busier games coming up but it was good for him to have a clean sheet which will boost his confidence.
“We were down to the bare bones. We’ve a free week this week which is needed as we try to get the bulk of the squad back.
“I’ve given the players the week off. They have some at-home training, then they’ll be back in for the lead up to the Wigtown game.”
Gardner added: “Troon will be a tough game. They’re a West Premier League team so it’ll be a hard game. I’ve never been to Troon’s ground so I’m looking forward to it.”
