Published: Wednesday, 11th June, 2008 12:30
Port lose out
By Gary Pews
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PORT GLASGOW 0 CUMNOCK 2
NEAR THING: Port Glasgow's Jim Brown goes close with a shot at goal.
Pic by: Douglas Hendry
THE disappointment etched on he faces of the Port Glasgow players as they trudged off Ravenscraig last night amply demonstrated the high standards they have set themselves this season.
But losing out to a Cumnock team which less than two weeks ago was contesting the Scottish Cup final is no shame.
The opening 10 minutes saw the Port make a nervy start in this Cup-Winners Cup semi-final tie, almost as if they were giving their famous opponents too much respect. The Ravenscraig men gradually got to grips with the match, however, and began to trouble the Ayrshire side’s defence. Andy Monaghan was almost through on goal in 20 minutes but, as happened so often, the run of the ball didn’t go the Port’s way and the chance was gone.
It became increasingly obvious that the first goal would be crucial, and it fell to Cumnock after 38 minutes. Slackness in defence allowed Robbie Weir the space to shoot home from eight yards.
Jim Brown almost levelled just before the break with a neat turn and shot from outside the box, but the ball went just wide.
Port Glasgow were under pressure early in the second half, as Cumnock came out determined to secure the match. A volley in 62 minutes thumped the post with Sean Graham beaten, and it took a great save from the keeper just 60 seconds later to keep the local team in the match.
Brian Heron then threw on substitute Stewart Jack and the tricky winger weaved some magic as the Port forced a succession of corners, but to no avail.
The Undertakers, as the Port are quaintly named, were digging deep after a long, hard season, but were dead and buried when Cumnock sub Stevie Desmond made it 2-0 with just nine minutes remaining.
A final fling saw Paul Coyle play the captain’s role with a lung-bursting run into the box, but his net-bound shot was brilliantly saved.
Boss Heron said: “We did look sluggish, as if it was the end of the season. Why we didn’t start properly, I just don’t know.”
Reflecting on the season overall, however, Heron was keen to stress that it has been a big success. He said: “I would like to put in print my thanks to the players for a fantastic season.
“We were in a cup final early on and, of course, we won the league. It is a credit to the players and I am absolutely delighted with their efforts.”
Port Glasgow: Graham, A. Banks, Coyle, Walton, S. Banks, McEwan (Jack 70), Taylor, Flynn, Brown, Beckley (McIntyre 82), Monaghan (Temporal 88). Subs not used: Best, Nugent.
l Port Glasgow Juniors are sponsored by Renfrewshire Electronics and the Senit Group. Kit sponsored by Swordfish Signs and Remax Gourock.
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