Late rally puts Thurso Pentland into the semis
Perseverance paid off for Thurso Pentland as a late rally booked their place in the last four of the Steven Cup.
The Dammies side made the short journey to take on Halkirk where they edged a thrilling encounter 4-2.
Pentland took the lead via Connor Macleod's strike but quickly found themselves 2-1 down as Halkirk hit back through Davy Byrne and Stuart Campbell.
However, Scott Ross levelled and they booked their place in the semi-finals with two goals in the closing stages from Steven Grant and Brandon Macleod.
A relieved Pentland boss Scott Davidson said: "It was a hard-fought game, but games against Halkirk are always tough – this one proved that.
"A scoreline of 4-2 looks convincing but doesn't tell the whole story. We had to fight until the end. We got the third and then the fourth followed when they were pushing up for an equaliser.
"We did go 2-1 down at one point which was against the run of play but that's what happens if you don't take your chances.
"Our keeper had some good saves, as did their keeper. I'm sure it was a good game for a neutral to watch.
"I was particularly impressed with Connor Macleod. Not only did he get on the scoresheet but he gave a superb performance on the wing.
"We're in the last four but we've also keeping our eye on the promotion play-off spot. We win our last three league games and we get it."
Halkirk coach Matthew Mackay could not hide his disappointment.
He said: "We were poor against Pentland. It was disappointing to lose a game like that.
"We found ourselves 2-1 up after being a goal down and blew a great chance to make it 3-1. Not long after that, Thurso made it 2-2 – it's the small margins that cost you.
"Overall, though, our possession play was poor. We never looked after the ball."
There were goals galore as Watten and Wick Thistle also booked their places in the last four.
Ross Macleod's four goals helped newly promoted Wick Thistle to a thumping 6-1 win at Keiss.
Andy Falconer and Colin Henstridge also hit the target, with the home side's consolation coming via Andrew Blunden.
Promotion play-off contenders Watten also smacked in half a dozen as they saw off Division Two's bottom side Top Joes 6-3.
Kevin MacGregor (2), Scott Macalpine (2), Ryan Farquhar and Shane Honeyman all netted for Watten.
Top Joes' strikes came from Martin Murray, Kris Smith and Mark Hutcheon.
