Ardeer were desperately unlucky to lose their Scottish Junior Cup tie at Fauldhouse 3-2 after twice coming from a goal down to equalise. The fantastic atmosphere created by both sets of fans added greatly to the quality of the match, resulting in a contest that was at times loud, boisterous, tense and exciting.

Both sides actively participated in a "Show Racism the Red Card" demonstration before kick-off, and there was also a minute silences for Scott Farquharson of Scone Thistle who sadly died suring the week. There were two changes to the starting line-up, with Mark McCann (cup-tied) and Ryan Wason (other commitments) being replaced by Derek Lamb and Greg Kean respectively. Lamb, along with the rest of the Ardeer defence were kept busy in the early going as Fauldhouse started well. However, all of their first half efforts were squandered by their strikers, who at this point seemed to have forgotten to bring their finishing boots with them. Ardeer's chances in the half were limited and a long range Toni Paton drive that went narrowly over the bar was one of only a few notable efforts. Thats not to say Ardeer were poor in the first half as Fauldhouse were made to look rather ordinary despite their East Premier status. Most of the first half entertainment was provided by the extraordinary banter between the two sets of fans, with numerous songs and chants being belted out at an eardrum-bashing volume and this was continued for the full 90 minutes.

Ardeer were forced into a half-time change as Paddy O'Keefe replaced brother Martin in defence. There was some concern for a while as his blood sugar levels were found to be dangerously low but thankfully he was fine later in the day. The game remained scoreless until the 70th minute when Derek Wilson opened the scoring for Fauldhouse with a back post header and the goal was the catalyst for a fantastic last 20 minutes. Ardeer were not at all disheartened and reacted well when they equalised 3 minutes later. Substitute Scott Reid grabbed his first goal since returning from injury with a well-placed header into the top right corner of the net. When running off to celebrate he collided with an opposition defender and that almost caused a stramash between the two sides. The collision was probably accidental, and it was alll calmed down before play restarted.

Fauldhouse took the lead again in the 79th minute when Ally Graham scored with a close range drive but their lead was threated when they had a man sent off on the 85th minute. He was given a straight red by Italian referee Gianluca Marini after a collision with Ardeer keeper Davie Richardson while advancing on goal. Ardeer pressed forward in search of an equalising goal and were suitably rewarded in the last minute when Darren Quinn scored with a composed finish. That sparked wild celebrations from the Ardeer management and fans but that was unfortunately short-lived as Craig Meechan scored a winner for Fauldhouse deep into injury time. Ardeer's man of the match was Derek Lamb, with fellow centre-back Craig Fairbairn a narrow second. Both did a fine job throughout in defence.

It was disappointing to lose right at the death, but manager Peter Kean believes it is the best he has seen Ardeer play during his time in charge. It can certainly be said that if Ardeer continue to play like they did in this match, they will not be at the bottom of the league for long. Every player gave 100% for 90 minutes and we now have a real compettion for places in some areas of the team.

The committee and management would like to thank the Ardeer fans for representing the club in a fine manner in Fauldhouse and it was great to see their Halloween outfits. We'd also like to thank Fauldhouse United and Fauldhouse Miners Welfare & Social Club for the excellent hospitality we received and it was certainly one of the best away trips we've had.

Thanks as well to Jim Taggart, who has joined as assistant to Peter Kean and also to John "Jonah" McMillan who resigned from his post as co-manager on Wednesday. All at the club wish him the best for the future.