Thorn Athletic eased into the third round of the Alona West of Scotland Cup at the weekend with a comprehensive 5-0 win over King’s Park Rangers at the McMaster Sports Centre in Johnstone.

With last week’s match falling foul of the weather, Thorn hoped there wouldn’t be too much rustiness after their last outing, a nervy 2-1 Scottish Cup win over Newshot a couple of weeks ago.

Boss Johnny McEwan made two changes to that side with Alan Deans and Mickey Wilson slotting into the starting XI to bring some much-needed freshness after the lacklustre affair.

And it paid off with Dylan Blair’s double along with strikes from Jordan Devine, Connar McGregor and David Edwards ensuring there would be no upset from King’s Park.

Thorn started well against the Glasgow-based side and went on to open the scoring 25 minutes in thanks to a powerful header from Devine.

Firmly in control, the hosts doubled their advantage just 10 minutes later when Blair grabbed his first of the afternoon with a hooked effort leaving the keeper no chance.

McGregor was in the right place at the right time as he tapped in the third moments before the break to give the Johnstone side a commanding half-time lead.

Edwards added the fourth after the interval with a fine strike from all of 22-yards before Blair rounded off a good afternoon’s work to ensure safe passage into the next round.

The gaffer said: “It was good to get a clean sheet and the goals our play deserved.

“We freshened things up a wee bit after what had been a low-key win in the Scottish Cup a couple of weeks ago. 

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“The squad is looking very strong at the moment and we have a number of options in all positions. We just need everyone to continue to work hard in training as we head into the winter and we will have good competition all over the park.

“Historically, this period has always been a key one in the season and we have lots of big games coming up.”

Thorn have a huge Scottish Cup away clash with the much-fancied Scottish Amateur Football League side Goldenhill Amateurs looming at the start of November.

But first they travel to face newly-promoted side East Kilbride YM at Kirktonholme in the Caledonian Premier League.

EKYM have enjoyed a strong start to the league campaign but, with an increase to 14 teams in the top division this season, it’s going to be a marathon rather than a sprint for the defending champions.

Boss McEwan added: “It’s a really competitive league this season and the four promoted sides are all keen to do well - it makes for an interesting campaign.”

East Kilbride v Thorn Athletic kicks-off at Kirktonholme Park at 2pm this Saturday.

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