DESPITE the 'junior' leagues being a thing of the past in Ayrshire - the Scottish Junior Cup continues to hold the same prestige it always has.

So it should come as no surprise that there was some thrilling action across the region as local sides competed in round three of the competition.

As well as the cup ties, there was the small matter of some vital league matches on Saturday, October 19, in what proved to be yet another thrilling weekend of football on the west coast.

While the fixture calendar was light across the West of Scotland Football League - the matches which did take place were of vital importance.

In the Premier Division, Cumnock Juniors were out to halt Clydebank's perfect start to the season.

However, despite the best efforts of Stephen Swift's side, the Bankies prevailed - winning a tight affair 1-0.

Ayrshire's only other league action took place in the Third Division - where struggling sides met title challengers.

In an all North Ayrshire affair, Dalry Thistle compounded Irvine Victoria's woes with a 2-0 win.

The three points took Thistle just four points off top spot, while the Vics remain in the relegation zone - four points from safety.

The dreaded drop also remains a threat for Girvan, who fill the third and final spot in the relegation zone at present.

Despite a valiant effort on Saturday, a 2-1 loss away to second placed Glasgow Perthshire means they remain in the bottom three for the time being.

Into cup action and there was one match being played away from the famous Scottish Junior Cup.

Fourth Division outfit Eglinton FC were out to cause an almighty shock in the semi-final of the Strathclyde Demolition Cup.

They faced Premier Division side St Cadoc's in the final four - in what was the club's first ever semi-final.

Unfortunately, their journey ended at that stage with St Cadoc's claiming a 3-0 victory in Kilwinning.

Into the Junior Cup and Beith put last weekend's South Challenge Cup disappointment to one side to earn their spot in round four.

They made light work of Maud as Chris Strain's side cruised to a 5-1 victory at Bellsdale Park.

Last season's champions Darvel also remain in the hunt after picking up a 1-0 win at home to Rutherglen Glencairn.

Kello Rovers fell just short of causing one of the biggest upsets of the round as the Fourth Division side faced Premier Division high-flyers Drumchapel.

The tie was level at half-time before the top league team won it in the second half, with the match ended 2-1 in favour of Drumchapel.

It has been a turbulent few weeks for Glenafton Athletic, but that was put to one side on the pitch this weekend.

They earned a place in round four with ease, winning 3-0 against Deveronside at Loch Park.

In one of few all Ayrshire clashes, Hurlford United cruised through round three as they brushed aside Maybole Juniors - winning 5-1 at Blair Park.

Irvine Meadow have faired well in cup competitions this season, with Saturday proving no different.

Despite their league troubles, Ben Carson's side had no trouble in putting Renfrew to the sword, winning their tie 4-0.

Joining them in round four will be fellow North Ayrshire side Kilbirnie Ladeside, who made hard work of their fixture at home to Pumpherston.

The game was level at half-time, but Ladeside asserted their dominance in the second 45 to win the match 4-2.

In a round of few shocks, Lugar Boswell Thistle upset the odds as they faced Cambuslang Rangers at home.

Despite a league separating the side, George Wallace's men progressed to round four thanks to a thrilling 3-2 win at Rosebank Park.

Fellow East Ayrshire side Muirkirk Juniors were on the wrong end of a shock result this weekend.

The Second Division leaders were heavy favourites at home to Fourth Division club Easterhouse FA - though the tie went to penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

And it was the bottom division side who earned a spot in the next stage, winning 3-1 on spot kicks.

Also taken to penalties were Troon FC, with the Premier Division side also facing a shock exit after a 1-1 draw with Glasgow United.

However, unlike Muirkirk, the South Ayrshire outfit managed to earn a place in the next round after winning the shootout 4-2.

The final tie involving an Ayrshire side saw Ardeer Thistle face off against league rivals Vale of Leven.

The match was a great chance for Sean Kenney's side to progress in the tournament, following a strong start to their league campaign.

However, it was Vale of Leven who won the match, easing past their opponents to earn a 4-1 victory.