CHIRNSIDE United co-manager Duncan Morrison says the Berwickshire side’s good form is down to player availability.

United were missing a number of players due to work and injuries earlier in season but have now won five games in a row, including a 10-1 thumping of Melrose in the South Cup second round.

Alan Jess and Jocky Turner both scored hat-tricks, while Dan Romaines notched a double and Chris Young and Graham Kelly also found the net as Chirnside made the last 16 of a competition they previously won seven years ago.

Morrison said: “In the last three games we have been at full strength for the first time this season and it has shown in our results.

“We had the luxury of being able to make six changes against Melrose and still produced a good performance.

“It will be tough to win the South Cup with the Lothian and Edinburgh League teams now in the competition, but we will give it a go.”

On a day when the South Cup draw was decimated by the weather, Hawick United suffered a 4-1 home loss to West Barns Star to exit the competition.

David Strathdee scored for United with a penalty but the Dunbar side were too strong in the second half and ran out comfortable winners.

A first half goal by Lloyd Dignan was enough for Edinburgh United Alba to see off Jed Legion.

Elsewhere, Biggar United lost 2-1 to Haddington Athletic at Whittinghame Road.

In Division A, a Michael Moir double and goal by Callum Hope saw Hawick Legion win 3-0 in their relegation clash with Leithen Rovers.

Manager Mark Deans said: "We played well and deserved the win.

"After last weekend's defeat to the Waverley it was important we picked up the points today."

In Division C, Peebles Amateurs thumped St Boswells 7-0, with Peter Shearlaw grabbing four goals, and Newtown moved joint top of the league with a 4-1 home win over CFC Bowholm.