The Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup proper returned on Friday night, as two fixtures kicked-off the First Round of the historic competition. 

Almost four months on from the day of Aberdeen’s penalty shoot-out victory over Celtic in the 2025 Final, the road to Hampden began again, as Auchinleck Talbot hosted Cumnock Juniors and Glasgow University travelled to Cumbernauld Colts.

It took just under ten minutes for the first goal of the new campaign to be scored, as Lee Roulston nodded in the opener for Cumnock Juniors in the Ayrshire derby.

Chance for both sides followed, before The ‘Bot finally found an equaliser through Connor Boyd.

The home side pushed for a winner, and it eventually came from the penalty spot, as Ewan Thomson tucked away late in the game. 

Over at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld Colts romped to a 4-0 victory over Glasgow University.

27 ties followed on Saturday, with two early kick-offs seeing Banks O’Dee and Johnstone Burgh progressing at the expense of Bo’ness United and Threave Rovers, respectively.

Wick Academy arguably produced the performance of the Round courtesy of a 5-0 win over Rothes. Clydebank and Gretna 2008 were also in the goals, each beating their opponents by four goals to nil.

Nairn County also progressed to the Second Round, the Highland League side beating Berwick Rangers 2-0, a revers of the score the last time the two sides met in this competition.

Despite going down to ten men in the tie, Bonnyrigg Rose triumphed over visitors Broxburn Athletic.

An all-Highland clash took place between Brora Rangers and Fraserburgh, with The Broch sneaking through via a 1-0 win.

Camelon Juniors raced into a two-goal lead over Albion Rovers, and managed to hold on despite the visitors pulling a goal back.

There were full-time celebrations for Dundonald Bluebell, as they reached the Second Round for the first time in their history. They were forced to do it the hard way too, requiring extra time to beat Civil Service Strollers, Jack Wilson bagging the winner.

They will be joined in the Second Round by Tayport, also making their first appearance at that stage, after progressing in a 3-2 thriller against Coldstream.

Clachnacuddin eased past Kilwinning Rangers 2-1, the same scoreline that saw Benburb beat Cowdenbeath by. 

Former Scottish Cup giant killers, Darvel, will not be repeating their famous exploits of 2023, having been knocked out by Deveronvale after a 3-1 defeat.

Caledonian Braves beat Forres Mechanics 2-0 to progress to the Second Round.

While Gelnafton Athletic were appearing at this stag for just the second time in their history, they put out visitors Invergordon via a 3-2 win. 

Huntly and Buckie Thistle met in the Highland League last weekend, drawing that game 0-0. This weekend saw plenty more action, with Buckie winning 3-1 to progress.

Sauchie Juniors eased to victory against Inverurie Loco Works, who ended the match with only nine men. 

There was ill-discipline in the tie between Linlithgow Rose and Gala Fairydean Rovers, as each side finished the match with ten men. Rose managed to progress despite this, winning 2-1.

Brechin City’s 3-1 win against Lochee United included a stunning strike from Mitch Taylor, who volleyed in his second of the day in spectacular fashion. 

Lossiemouth are currently on a run of 15 Scottish Cup ties without a win, and that run did not end on Saturday. They hosted Formartine United, but the visitors left with a 2-1 win. 

Bonnyton Thistle, meanwhile, were making their maiden appearance at this stage of the competition, but were unable to overcome the more experience Musselburgh Athletic, who won 2-0.

The Edinburgh-side will be joined in the Second Round by East Stirlingshire, who beat Newtongrange Star 3-1, ending their run of three consecutive First Round defeats.

Dundee North End enjoyed a run all the way tot he Third Rund last season, and their story in the Scottish Cup continues this season, after they triumphed over Strathspey Thistle in extra time. 

Tranent took an early lead at one to Pollok form the penalty spot to kick-off a 3-0 win. 

Turriff United v Hill of Beath Hawthorn proved a tighter affair, with ‘Turra’ ultimately winning 2-1. 

Two ties remain to end the First round weekend, with Keith visiting Bo’ness Athletic on Saturday evening, before University of Stirling face Burntisland Shipyard on Monday.

The draw for the. Second Round in the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup will take place on Sunday, 28 September, live from Hampden Park.

Scott Arfield will join host, Gordon Duncan, to conduct the draw, which you can watch live on the Scottish Cup YouTube channel from 5pm.