Port Glasgow: Tam Jamieson rues defence after cup thriller

The hardy punters that endured the tropical climates of the Inverclyde Riviera were rewarded for their patience in often monsoon-like conditions as Kilsyth ran out 6-4 winners in a game for the strikers.

And despite it being a decent watch for the neutral, Undertakers gaffer Jamieson has made it clear in no uncertain terms that he doesn't want to see his side concede six goals at home again.

Port Glasgow tumbled out of the South Challenge Cup after losing 6-4 at home to Kilsyth Athletic. (Image: alex craig) "Even though we're conceding, we're still showing that we're in the game because we know that we're going to score goals," he said.

"The day we try to shut up shop and keep a clean sheet, or even just the one goal, we'll make life easier for ourselves.

"Right now, it's just not happening. We're conceding far too many goals for our own good, and I'll be honest, it's worrying. 

"We've tried different partnerships to try and fix it, but it does need fixed as quickly as possible going into the league in the next few weeks."

The game was preceded by a minute's applause for former Port player and club treasurer Ronnie Stewart, with around 12 members of his family in attendance for the match.

It was a nightmare start for the home side who found themselves a goal down inside 30 seconds as Lennon Pirrie brilliantly found Paul Archibald who tucked the ball under Sam Murdoch.

The visitors opened the scoring after just 30 seconds. (Image: alex craig) And things would go from bad to worse just eight minutes later as a quick back-to-front move from the visitors saw Matthew McFarlane finish off a devastating counter.

The home side halved the deficit three minutes later as John Mitchell headed home a well worked corner routine.

But the Undertakers' response was short-lived as Paul Archibald netted on the break inside 20 minutes.

It looked like the hosts were on their way out of the tournament, before a mad five-minute spell saw them get back on level terms.

Jack Purdue brilliantly finished off a Morton-tribute like move, meeting Alex McWaters' ball in behind, rounding the keeper and finishing from a tight angle.

The Port levelled at 3-3 before the break - but it would be as close as they got to a cup upset. (Image: alex craig) Then Dylan McLaughlin levelled up from 12 yards after he was poleaxed by the Kilysth keeper in a 50/50 duel.

And Jamieson believes that comeback demonstrated his team's fighting spirit, adding: "We've shown our battling credentials.

"We know how to put the ball in the back of the net, we've only failed to do so once this season.

"We've averaged three or four goals. The only disappointing thing is the amount we're conceding."

A devastating ten minute second half spell killed off the Parklea side's hopes as their high line was picked off with ease: Luke Scullion kicked off proceedings, capitalising on a poor bit of play to finish on the break.

The Port conceded three second-half goals in quick succession. (Image: alex craig) It wouldn't be long before McFarlane added his second of the afternoon, beating Murdoch, who was high off his line, to make it 5-3 to the visitors.

Lennon Pirrie put the icing on the cake in the final 20 minutes, catching out the Undertakers' young stopper at his near post from a free-kick, making a late own goal a mere consolation as the North Lanarkshire side advanced to the fourth round.

The Undertakers now look to take stock with a free week before travelling to Carluke Rovers on October 26.