Two goals just before half time, from David Lindsay and Blair Meikle, put them in the driving seat before Lindsay added another and a Nick Rogers tap in sealed it.

The game was similar to the previous round against St Bernard’s in that both teams wanted to play football, and Fife Thistle were far from a poor side. It was also similar in that Tweeddale were effective in both containing their opponents and also in their own attacking play.

The opening exchanges were fairly even-stevens with the tight pitch making it slightly scrappy, but both teams endeavoured to play passing football, resulting in some quality breaking out.

Fife’s number 9 looked lively but Chris Robertson and Mark Rathie kept a close eye. The first real chance of note fell to Thistle, but the midfielder’s curling effort was kept out by a really good one-handed save by Bob Hall.

After a few half chances, Tweeddale finally took the lead through Lindsay. He broke through the Thistle back line before giving the keeper no chance with a left footed strike.

Half time was approaching and Rovers would’ve been happy to go in at that. But it got even better when Blair Meikle latched onto a Nick Rogers flick on and slotted it home.

The inevitable push came from the home side as they looked to get back into the game. But Tweeddale always looked comfortable before adding to their tally.

Lindsay got his second and it was a lot easier for him this time round. Grant Wilson pulled a deep cross back to Lindsay right in front of the goal for an easy finish.

Again Fife pushed forward and had their best two chances of the game. The striker completely fluffed his lines with one and Hall made another good save with the other.

Thistle perhaps became deflated as Tweeddale began to pour forward towards the end. Blair Meikle hit the post, as did Grant Wilson from the second of two excellent passes from Moray Macleod. The first being the cross of the match which Wilson just couldn’t stretch to.

The fourth goal had a bit of luck attached to it. Meikle’s corner was abysmal but the keeper and defender made an absolute meal of it, presenting Rogers with an easy chance.

The fourth round draw was made on Tuesday night and we now face Glenburn Miners Welfare (Ayrshire) at home on Saturday, December 6.

Tweeddale Rovers: Hall, B. Moffat, Rathie, Robertson (Kilshaw), Macleod, R. Meikle, R. Moffat (Greenshields), Lindsay (Collin), Rogers, B. Meikle, Wilson. Sub not used: F. Moffat.