Rosyth 4-2 St Andrews Amateurs

Despite taking an early lead Saints failed to match the home sides work rate and were made to suffer from two controversial second half decisions from rookie referee David which swung the tie in the hosts favour.

Saints made an important start to the tie with the opening goal after five minutes.

Good endeavour from Todd leaving two defenders trailing enabled him to cross from the right and Wood flicked on for Beech to despatch into the roof of the net.

Minutes later Watt seized on a pass from McFadyen, but ‘keeper Strathearn brilliantly touched his shot round the post.

Saints’ goalmouth led a charmed life when a 25 yard free kick saw O’Kane’s clearance cannon off Turner but Sullivan made a crucial point blank save from Higgins.

It was no surprise when Rosyth equalised in 30 minutes when a corner from the right was not dealt with by Saints defence and the ball fell for Dudmar to prod home.

As the second half got underway Saints were left baffled by an inexplicable refereeing decision to award Rosyth a penalty after Fraser appeared to lose his footing as Sullivan advanced to make a good clearance.

Higgins converted the spot kick.

The goal seemed to unsettle Saints as Rosyth increased their lead in 60 minutes when Higgins sent a fine pass out to his twin brother to rifle a shot off the far post and Roberts tucked home the rebound.

In 70 minutes Saints reduced the deficit when Watt’s pace allowed him to cross to the edge of the box for Wood to bury a half volley past Strathearn.

This set up a grandstand finish as Saints were pressed forward for the equaliser, however they were once more victims of indecisive refereeing. Although several yards offside the referee waved him on to cross for Higgins to net.

As Saints appealed the decision Rennie was shown a straight red card after a war of words with the referee.

The Rule Man of the Match - Christopher Wood.

Saints - Sullivan, McFadyen, O’Kane, Rennie, Watt, Wood, Smith, Todd, Gorgon, Beech, Anderson.

Subs - Walker, McGoldrick.

On Saturday Saints travel to meet Glenrothes Athletic in the Tom McIntyre Cup at 2pm.