GREENOCK qualified for the quarter-finals of the Sectional League Cup after a quite incredible comeback at Ravenscraig on Saturday.

At 3-0 down after just 35 minutes, and with Renfrew dominating proceedings, the chances of Greenock getting even the draw they needed to top the section looked remote.

The visitors first-half goal-blitz began in just 11 minutes, when Matthew McLean outmuscled Greenock centre-half Michael Docherty to find the space to shoot home.

A delicate chip from Stephen Reid then sailed over the head of home keeper Stuart Waterson to make it 2-0, and when McLean notched his second 10 minutes before half-time, Renfrew seemed on easy street.

But when Michael Dickie handled in the box and referee David Munro correctly awarded the penalty, Ryan MacDonald netted from the spot in 41 minutes to give Greenock some hope at the interval.

An astonishing second half erupted after just two minutes when Greenock were awarded another penalty after Kenny McKay was fouled in the box. MacDonald opted for the same corner but this time keeper Kevin Bell guessed correctly and saved.

Undaunted, MacDonald pulled another goal back after 55 minutes, striking from close range to net the rebound after an Alan Jamieson shot thundered off the bar. The big striker then had a hand in the equaliser, midway through the half. His header across goal should have been blocked by Bell, but the keeper fumbled the ball against the legs of McKay and it trundled into the net.

A rampant Greenock then took the lead in 69 minutes with arguably the goal of the match, though, ironically it came from the boot of Renfrew’s Brian Gordon. There was no real threat when Thomas Docherty fired a cross into the box, but the defender’s attempted clearance flew past his bemused keeper.

Gordon’s misery was compounded near the end when he was sent off for ‘industrial language’ to the referee.

It was the second double in three games for on-fire striker MacDonald.

He said: ‘’That was probably the best comeback I have been involved in. The crucial goal was the penalty just before half-time, which gave us hope for the second half. It was a great team performance and the boys were outstanding.’’ With manager Stevie Mooney absent, his assistant Martin Campbell said: “At 3-0 down, I was a bit panicky. I told the boys at half-time I genuinely felt we could get back into the game if we got the next goal, which we did. Some teams might have folded, but the players showed real heart.’’ Having topped the section with a 100 per cent record, Greenock’s reward is a quarter-final tie at home against either Shotts Bon Accord or Wishaw. The quarter-final is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 August, with a 6.30pm kick-off.

GREENOCK: Waterson, Irvine, McCormick (Stirling 56), B. McLaughlin, M. Docherty, Fleming, J. McLaughlin (Kearns 56), T. Docherty, McKay, MacDonald , A. Jamieson (Crawford 90). Subs not used: Bradley, R. Jamieson, Gilmour, Monk.

Greenock Juniors are sponsored by Regents Vehicle Sales, Greenock, Kingsley Wood Solicitors and Notaries, and the Lighthouse Bar.