Tayport roared into the quarter-finals of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup thanks to a magnificent team performance against Super League high-fliers, Newtongrange Star.
A relatively big crowd descended on the Canniepairt for what proved to be an enthralling tie.
‘Port started well and had a few half-chances in the opening exchanges, although the visitors had a more clear-cut opening when Grant Meaney found himself free inside the area. Stuart Ferguson, however, got back to mop up the danger.
On the quarter of an hour mark, Steven Thompson’s free kick, from wide on the right, rattled Frazer Fitzpatrick’s crossbar, but that was as close as Nitten would come to a goal.
Lee Bryce had Tayport’s best opportunity of the half, after Grant Manzie had knocked on Barry McNaughton’s fluffed clearance. The striker, however, took the ball a little too far wide and ‘keeper Chris Hill blocked his effort.
The winning goal came five minutes into the second half. Captain, Roberto Morris skipped past Scott McCulloch, but was felled by the forward’s outstretched leg. The referee pointed to the spot and the reliable Stefan Elvin successfully tucked away the penalty.
Five minutes later, there was a big shout for another penalty, when Manzie was felled by the goalkeeper. To the displeasure of the home contingent, the referee cautioned Manzie for simulation.
As they had done at the end of the first half, Newtongrange forced several corners and delivered some dangerous-looking wide set-pieces, in their bid to notch an equaliser. Willie Garner’s outfit were strong in defence, though. Both David Black and Derek Wemyss headed away goalbound attempts and, generally, ‘Port held firm.
Indeed, there were a few breakaways in the closing stages, as Tayport sought to capitalise on Nitten’s desperation to get the ball forward. Two of Tayport’s substitutes, Barry Donachie and Darren Scott combined, with Scott racing clear and touching the ball past the advancing goalkeeper, only for a defender to get back and snuff out the danger.
The final whistle, which blew well into the 95th minute, was greeted with jubilation by the ‘Port support, players and management. So, the club is back in the quarters of the ‘Scottish’ and, from there, anything is possible.
