BANKIES eased into the second round of the Scottish Junior cup with a convincing replay win over Colony Park.

Budgie McGhie’s men had the match won by half-time thanks to a three-goal blitz against the Aberdeenshire minnows.

Despite a brave fightback from the visitors after break, two-goal hero Graeme Ramage put the tie out of sight with a stunning free kick goal.

McGhie made a number of changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Reece Pearson, Stevie Gardiner and Ramage in a bid to give his team more potency in front of goal.

Pearson made his mark early when he netted the opener on 12 minute after starting and ending a move with a cool finish from a Jordan Shelvey assist.

Bankies patiently built from the back and some of their football was impressive.

They deservedly increased the lead just after the half hour mark when Shelvey was bundled over in the box for a penalty award that drew loud protests from the visitors.

Ramage sent Grant Sim the wrong way with a well-struck spot kick.

Bankies kept up the pressure and the hard-working Shelvey was denied a goal when the impressive Sim blocked his low shot.

A third goal arrived before the break and it was a peach of strike from Gardiner who left two defenders for dead before drilling an angled shot past Sim.

The quality of the approach play leading to the goal was terrific, with no fewer than seven payers involved in a move that started with keeper Robert Hamilton.

Colony Park, managed by ex-Bankie Andy Roddie, pushed an extra man up front in an effort to get back in the match.

They managed to pull a goal back through Calvin Roddie who punished slack defending with a fierce shot high into the net.

However Bankies really should have notched more goals by then.

Shelvey fired wide after great work from Jamie Campbell and Ramage’s snap shot from an Andy Paterson cut back was kept out by Sim.

But the keeper could do little to deny Ramage his double 13 minutes from time.

Ross Harvie was brought down on the edge of the box for a free kick which Ramage superbly curled past the rooted keeper.

Colony goalscorer Roddie was sent off in the closing stages when he picked up a second booking for a late challenge on Graham Mort.

Bankies will face Lossiemouth on Saturday, October 25 in the second round of the cup but return to league business on Saturday when they welcome Arthurlie to Holm Park, kick off 1pm.