Port are the star of the show!

Captain for the afternoon, Jamie Hume celebrates after opening the scoring for Tayport in the first minute.

Match Report: Tayport 4 - 1 Dalbeattie Star - By Iain Brough

Tayport got off to a dream start at the Canniepairt as skipper Jamie Hume opened the scoring inside the very first minute. A whipped-in corner caused chaos in the Dalbeattie box, and the midfielder pounced to fire home from close range, giving the home side an electric start against the high-flying visitors.

Dalbeattie, who arrived sitting top of the South of Scotland Football League with a perfect record of four wins from four, were left shellshocked. Tayport pushed hard for a second, with Jay Yule’s 23rd-minute strike rattling the woodwork, but the lead remained a slender one.

The referee’s strict control of proceedings left little room for leniency, much to the frustration of the Dalbeattie bench. Their persistence eventually paid off just before half-time when a darting run down the right forced Greg McColm into a challenge. The referee pointed to the spot, showing only yellow with the ball not directed goalward. From the penalty, Dalbeattie made no mistake, slotting past Gary Thain to level the scoreline before the break.

Half-time: Tayport 1–1 Dalbeattie Star

The second half began with controversy as the referee urged Tayport out of the dressing room, Dalbeattie looking sharper in the opening exchanges. But the Canniepairt faithful didn’t have to wait long for another reason to cheer. Just 15 minutes in, substitute Nick Mann made the difference. Ethan Samson delivered a brilliant ball into the danger area, and Mann was on hand to tuck home from eight yards, restoring Tayport’s lead and sparking jubilation in the stands.

The game seemed to settle into a rhythm, with both sides playing their part in attack and defence. But the killer blows came in the final quarter. In the 74th minute, Samson was at it again, his pinpoint delivery met by Stefan Elvin, who calmly slotted into the bottom corner, leaving Alistair Ferguson helpless. Barely had the celebrations died down when Samson claimed his third assist of the day, this time for Jay Yule, who converted confidently to put the tie beyond doubt.

With a 4–1 lead secured, Tayport professionally managed the closing stages, ensuring there was no way back for the visitors. At the final whistle, the Canniepairt erupted as Tayport sealed a famous victory, booking their place in Round One of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup.

Full-time: Tayport 4–1 Dalbeattie Star