FOOTBALL made its welcome return in Ayrshire this weekend after the weather saw fans left without fixtures last week.

And for many clubs it was worth the wait as sides from across the county looked to earn their place in the last 16 of the Scottish Junior Cup on Saturday, November 30.

There was also the small matter of a senior Scottish Cup tie for Irvine Meadow, who hosted Stenhousemuir for a place in round four.

Unfortunately, it was not to be for Ben Carson's side who were competitive for much of the match before falling to a 5-0 defeat.

In the Junior Cup, it was certainly a successful weekend for Ayrshire with only one side from the county exiting at this stage.

That club was Hurlford United, who drew 1-1 with Armadale Thistle in regular time - before crashing out the competition after a 4-2 penalty shootout loss.

Elsewhere, arguably the result of the round came at Rosebank Park where WoSFL Third Division side Lugar Boswell Thistle hosted Larkhall Thistle from the league above.

Despite their underdog status, George Wallace's side put in a superb showing to earn a place in the next round with a 4-2 win. They will host Benburb in the round of 16.

Also into the next stage are fellow East Ayrshire outfit Glenafton Athletic - who earned their place with a comfortable 3-0 win away at Bathgate Thistle.

Paul Paton's side will face a tough task to reach the quarter-finals after being drawn to face Tranent away from home in the next round.

One more East Ayrshire side made it through, with last year's champions Darvel winning a repeat of the 2024 final.

They defeated Arthurlie 4-2 on this occasion to earn a home tie against Johnstone Burgh in the next round.

Two North Ayrshire sides have set up a meeting in the last 16 after they both earned progression on Saturday.

Largs Thistle continued their fine form this season with a resounding 7-0 win away at Dundee East Craigie.

They will travel to play Beith Juniors in the last 16 after Chris Strain's side won 3-1 away at Montrose Roselea to earn a spot in the next stage.

The last Ayrshire side to make it through on Saturday also came from the north of the county.

Kilbirnie Ladeside earned a last 16 tie away at Camelon later this month after overcoming Easterhouse FA 2-1 at Valefield Park.

Another two Ayrshire clubs remain in the competition, with Troon FC to play Lochee United and Irvine Meadow to host West Calder United, in their fourth round matches at a later date.

One other Ayrshire side was competing in a cup competition, with Kilwinning Rangers travelling to face Shotts Bon Accord in the South Challenge Cup fourth round.

The Buffs fought hard but exited the competition following a 3-2 loss at Hannah Park.

Away from cup competitions, there were still a vast number of league fixtures to be played across the county.

In the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division, it was an all Ayrshire affair as Troon FC hosted Auchinleck Talbot.

Troon maintained their incredible start to the season and climbed to third in the standings courtesy of a 1-0 win at Portland Park.

In the First Division, Maybole Juniors slipped off the promotion place as they lost out to fellow challengers Renfrew FC.

The South Ayrshire side lost 3-0 at Ladywell Park and remain in sixth place.

Ardrossan Winton Rovers climbed the table, but will feel they could have picked up more at home to Blantyre Victoria.

Gavin Friels side shared the points at Winton Park following a 2-2 draw, but let a lead slip twice in the match.

In the Second Division, Muirkirk Juniors have been knocked off top spot after a 1-0 loss at home to now leaders Neilston.

At the other end of the table, Craigmark Burntonians remain cut adrift in last place following a 5-0 defeat away at Kilsyth Rangers.

While Bonnyton Thistle remain a side in form after they picked up an impressive 2-1 win away at St Anthony's.

In the Third Division, Ardeer Thistle slipped back of the promotion pace following a 3-2 defeat at home to Kilsyth Rangers.

Dalry Thistle also drew level on points with their North Ayrshire rivals after picking up a hard fought 3-2 win over Glenvale.

That result allowed Girvan to claw within a point of safety after earning a point in a 1-1 draw with Glasgow University.

In Division Four, Saltcoats Victoria came agonisingly close to causing an upset and inflicting a first defeat on league leaders Knightswood.

Despite leading at the break, it wasn't to be for the Vics who lost 4-3 in the end up.

While Kello Rovers missed their chance to climb into the promotion places after falling to a 4-3 defeat away at fellow challengers Port Glasgow.