MORTON are out of the Scottish Cup after suffering a gut-wrenching defeat to Motherwell on penalties.

Gus MacPherson's men put in a tremendous performance as they pushed the Premiership side all the way and into extra time in the last 16 clash at Fir Park.

They looked to have been hit with a last gasp sucker punch when Scotland international Stephen O'Donnell hit home a deflected long range shot in the last minute of the second period.

But they stormed straight back up the pitch, won a corner kick in injury time and saw Markus Fjortoft head home Lewis McGrattan's delivery for a dramatic equaliser right at the death.

That set up a shootout which was settled after Well keeper Liam Kelly had got down to his right to save Ton skipper Sean McGinty's low spot kick.

It was a sickening way for Ton to go out after such a brave and impressive performance, but they can hold their heads high and must take this showing into their fight for survival in the Championship.

They started the game positively and were assured in possession as they controlled almost all of the first half, creating the best chance when Reece Lyon robbed Robbie Crawford, rounded a defender and charged through on goal.

Just as he looked set to slot the ball home, Kelly rushed out to make a vital save.

The home side came to life towards the interval and then had the bulk of possession for large parts of the second half, but they rarely troubled the visitors' goal, with the Ton defence superbly marshalled by Brian McLean and Michael Ledger also very impressive.

Chances came and went for both sides in extra time, Chris Long hitting the post for the hosts and Lewis Strapp sending a back post header just wide.

Aidan McAdams made a flying save from a Steven Lawless header and Ton survived a huge penalty appeal when McGinty looked to have fouled Jake Hastie inside the box.

Then came the late drama with goals at either end before the shootout, with Well slotting home all five of their kicks to make it into the quarter final.

Ton now turn to their attentions to Tuesday night and a vital home clash in the league against Hearts.