PORT Glasgow’s fine run in the Sectional League Cup came to an end last night in this semi-final tie at Cumbernauld.

It was the Port’s first defeat in a competitive match this season, and although there was no disgrace in losing to a Super League First Division side, they will be slightly disappointed with their performance on the night.

Losing a very early goal certainly didn’t help, as Cumbernauld took the lead with just three minutes on the clock.

A long ball over the Port defence put home centre-forward Chris Zok in the clear, and his pass set up Gavin Mackie to fire a shot past Port keeper Robbie Graham, who got a touch on the ball but couldn’t stop it from going into the net.

Port Glasgow almost responded instantly, but Graham Black’s drive whistled just over the bar, and on 17 minutes an audacious lob from Ross Kearns from 35 yards out saw home keeper Barry Fraser sprinting backwards to catch the ball on the line.

However it was Cumbernauld who got the next goal with 24 minutes gone, when centre-half Danny Boyle powered in a header from a corner.

And it was almost game over a few minutes later when David Dickson headed wide from a good position.

The Port needed an early second half goal to have any chance, but instead they conceded at the other end on the hour mark.

Keeper Graham blocked Gary Carroll’s initial shot, only for the rebound to fall for Mackie to fire home his second goal of the game.

What had been a fairly contested match turned angry midway through the second half, when Port right back Brendan Grana, pictured, was sent off for what referee Chris Graham judged to have been a dangerous tackle. The Port weren’t happy with the decision, and in the ensuing melee four players were booked, two from each side.

The final action on the 90th minute saw Brendan Sharpe through with the chance of grabbing a consolation goal, but it just typified the Port’s night when the young sub’s shot was blocked.

However, manager Craig Brown was full of praise for his team’s efforts in getting to the semi-finals.

He said: “I was disappointed with our first half performance, although we certainly improved after the interval. But after losing the third goal, followed by Brendan’s red card, which I thought was harsh, it was a case of damage limitation.

“But all credit must go to the players for their efforts in reaching this stage.

“Our dispute with the council has been well documented, and has meant that we haven’t really had anywhere to train, and have also had to play all our matches away from home.

“So the players won’t get any grief from me about losing to a quality side like Cumbernauld.’’ PORT GLASGOW: Graham, Grana, Coyle, Walton, Docherty, Gault, Kearns, McKay (McClement 56), Nugent (Pettigrew 70), Black (Sharpe 58), Jamieson. Subs not used: McCormick, Ellis.

Port Glasgow Juniors are sponsored by Regents Vehicle Sales, Greenock, and MAC HSL Ltd.