ALLAN Moore was pleased to see his side make the fourth round of the Scottish Cup - but admitted he was slightly concerned when Deveronvale scored to make it 3-1.

Back in 2003, the Banff-based side gave Morton a scare in the same competition when they came within one goal of securing a shock replay by fighting back from 4-1 down to eventually lose 4-3.

And the Ton boss revealed he gave his side a half-time roasting after the Highlanders scored just before the interval to throw themselves a lifeline.

He said: "We were on a hiding to nothing, especially with our home form over the last couple of weeks, so it was all about getting through to the next round.

"They are a decent team, and it took us a wee while to get into our stride. Even after we got the third goal we maybe over passed it at times and made heavy weather of it.

"The only disappointing thing was in losing a goal before half-time because it could have given them a lift.

"We had to give them a wee bit of a rollicking at half-time because we should have gone in at 3-0 and cruising - but knowing us, we have to do it the hard way.

"We did the same last week against Dundee when we lost a goal just before half-time and suddenly everything went to pot. And that's what we're trying to eradicate.

"We asked the boys to go out in the second half and make sure we didn't lose another one, because seemingly the last time they played here they were 4-1 down and managed to come back.

"The less said about the referee the better. How David O'Brien was booked I'll never know, as the boy has upended him, and Peaso said he was fouled for a stonewall penalty too.

"Luckily it didn't matter and we managed to get a couple of goals, which was especially pleasing with wee Archie Campbell and Peter Weatherson coming on and scoring to lift their confidence.

"I also was delighted with young Ally Deans in goal, and Thomas O'Ware at full-back was outstanding."