One of the cruellest aspects about football is that teams don’t always get what they deserve for their performances.

Maryhill are a case in point after totally confounding bookmakers odds with a 0-0 weekend draw away to Fauldhouse United.

They were priced as 6/1 outsiders, but that result has earned the famous old Glasgow club a fourth round replay showdown at Lochburn Park this Saturday.

The first game outcome might be construed as Maryhill taking a massive step towards securing a last-16 place in the Scottish Junior Cup.

However, team boss John Hughes is looking upon the hard-fought Park View stalemate as a missed opportunity.

He said: "We would probably be in the next round already but for a quite inspired performance from that doyen of veteran goalkeepers Jon Connolly.

“He broke our hearts with a string of outstanding saves and was helped no end by our guys squandering a number of clear-cut chances as well as the woodwork given that the crossbar twice and post once came to his rescue on those rare occasions we managed to get the ball past him.

“But what should not be overlooked in the big picture is Fauldhouse playing for almost 50 minutes with ten men and, although we played our best stuff at 11 v 11, I cannot help but think they will be much tougher opponents for having their numbers back up to full strength on top of being able to recall one of their most influential players in Macaulay Wilson after a suspension.

“The former Arthurlie midfielder Rhys Devlin has a further one-game ban to serve, which is just as well.”

Hughes sprung a surprise with his starting line-up through east by omitting Gavin Stokes, Kevin Kelly and Willie Wells to accommodate Lee McLelland, Kyle McQueen as well as Stirling Albion loan signing Alex Docherty and he is promising to again ring the changes for the replay.

He added: "Playing Alex to partner Jamie Docherty up front with Lee just in behind them posed a lot of problems for Fauldhouse, but we may well decide to be even more positive in front of our own supporters.

“Regardless of who gets picked, the key to getting through is to play with the same intensity levels as we did in the first game and hopefully stick away our chances this time."

Facing a stiff replay joust of their own are Gartcairn whose 1-1 draw at home with Hermes has landed the Central Second Division outfit with an early morning start and a long trek up North to take on the 2015 Premier League champions.

Gaffer Davie Greig said: "They are a big and powerful side who play very direct football and I’m expecting more of the same up there.

“People might think us fortunate after needing a late Chris Dolan leveller at our place, but a draw was the very least we deserved and I’m confident the players can give a good account of themselves yet again.”

Experienced ace Barry Canning, who failed a late fitness test at the MTC Park, is considered doubtful while rugged stopper Lee McShane is a definite non-starter after pulling a calf muscle that forced his substitution after just 20 minutes.

Greig revealed: "We had promoted Luke Tuite from the Gartcairn Academy to partner Lee in central defence and our enforced reshuffle saw Colin Marshall put in beside him, yet the youngster took it all in his stride and served up a magnificent display.

“Hopefully he will be available to us again for the replay as keeping things tight is a necessity and it can only help our cause that Kevin Ross is back from suspension to further bolster our backline.

“Another of the Academy prospects Josh Moore came off the bench and did well over the closing stages so I will not hesitate to give these young guys a chance if they show the right attitude.”

One the transfer front comes word of one of Greig’s former clubs, St Roch's, concluding a loan deal for East Kilbride Lowland League centre-back Dom McLaren while Pollok’s trialist midfielder in the 1-0 weekend defeat by Troon was the former Shettleston player/boss Ryan McStay.

Meanwhile, SJFA chiefs have revealed that Glasgow City Council have agreed to host the fifth-round draw for this season’s Scottish Junior Cup in the City Chambers on Tuesday, January 31 (1pm).

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 1.45pm)

Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round: East Kilbride Thistle v Glenafton, Rob Roy v Musselburgh Athletic, Kilsyth Rangers v Bonnyrigg Rose.

Replays: Maryhill v Fauldhouse Utd, Hermes v Gartcairn.

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Arthurlie v Pollok, Beith v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Hurlford Utd v Auchinleck Talbot, Kilwinning Rangers v Troon.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Blantyre Vics v Girvan, Irvine Vics v Petershill, Renfrew v Clydebank, Rutherglen Glencairn v Irvine Meadow, Shettleston v Shotts Bon Accord, Yoker Athletic v Cumbernauld Utd.

McBookie.com Central First Division: Bellshill Athletic v Cambuslang Rangers Vale of Clyde v St Roch's, Forth Wanderers v Neilston, Wishaw v Greenock, Rossvale v Johnstone Burgh, Lesmahagow v Larkhall Thistle, Thorniewood Utd v Benburb.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Ashfield v St Anthony's, Newmains Utd v Dunipace, Port Glasgow v Carluke Rovers, Royal Albert v Glasgow Perthshire, Vale of Leven v Lanark Utd.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Muirkirk v Maybole, Lugar Boswell v Kello Rovers, Craigmark v Ardeer Thistle, Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Whitletts Vics, Saltcoats Vics v Dalry Thistle, Annbank Utd v Darvel.