PORT Glasgow paid the penalty — quite literally — for a sub-standard display at a rain-lashed Petershill Park on Saturday.

It took two spot-kicks by former Dundee United and Aberdeen striker Robbie Winters to give Rossvale the points.

But in truth, neither side shone brightly on a gloomy, windswept afternoon, with Rossvale showing little sign of the form which has made them serious contenders for the Second Division title.

With Cambuslang Rangers losing at home to Glasgow Perthshire, the win sends the north Glasgow men back to the top of the league table, but despite this defeat the Port are still there or thereabouts.

However they could do without losing early goals, as Rossvale took the lead in the third minute.

When Eddie Walton and home centre-forward Fraser Team tangled in the box, it seemed like six and half-a-dozen, but much to most people’s surprise, referee Jordan Paterson pointed to the spot and booked the Port defender.

Winters took the spot-kick and comfortably beat keeper Bryan Tucker to give the home side an early advantage.

Port Glasgow were facing a stiff wind, but they stayed positive and dominated the next half hour, with Graham Black coming close on two occasions.

One effort drifted wide, but the big striker should have equalised on 28 minutes, but fired his header from six yards straight at home keeper Jordan Bowskill.

Rossvale attacks were few and far between at this stage, but Pedram Ardlani ought to have put them 2-0 up just after the half-hour mark, when he was sent clear on goal but fired his shot wide of the post.

But the Port were hit with another spot-kick award against them on 35 minutes, and this time there was little to dispute as Tucker barged Declan Walker over in the box.

Winters took the spot-kick again, with Tucker guessing that the striker would opt for the same corner. But the wily veteran went the other way this time to send his side in two up at the interval.

It hadn’t exactly been a rip-roaring first half, but the second period was even worse.

Port Glasgow seemed to run out of ideas and were becoming increasingly frustrated at their lack of progress, while Rossvale appeared content to sit on their lead.

The Port had little goal threat, despite bringing on top scorer Scott Nugent, back after suspension.

Indeed it was the home side who came closest to finding the net as the clock ticked on.

Winters looked set to bag his hat-trick with a neat lob over Tucker which was net-bound until Paul Gordon raced back to clear the ball off the line.

And the same pair were involved again late on, with the Port man nipping the ball off the toes of Winters as the striker was about to pull the trigger for what would have been a certain third goal for the home team.

Rossvale were content to hold out for the win, but neither side will be happy with their overall performance, although the grim overhead conditions may have played their part in that.

Port manager Craig Brown said: “We pretty much dominated the first half, but never took our chances.

“Then in the second half the heads went down near the end and we started feeling sorry for ourselves and were getting frustrated at not getting many decisions.

“We didn’t have enough hunger to go on and get back into the game, which was disappointing.

“But fair play to Rossvale, they defended well, although they got the breaks with the penalty decisions.” PORT GLASGOW: Tucker, Gordon, Coyle, Walton, Paterson, Gault, Jamieson, Grana (Sharpe 86), Black, Bowie (Nugent 62), McCormick (Docherty 77). Subs not used: McClement, McAfee.

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