Port Glasgow boss Craig Brown warns his players to put shackles on Thorniewood's John Paul McBride in cup replay

That’s the considered opinion of Port boss Craig Brown who hailed the influence exerted by the 38-year-old former Celtic, St Johnstone and Partick Thistle signing in the 1-1 first game draw between the clubs last weekend.

Bruno said: “Thorniewood are a top notch football playing side, arguably one of the best to visit Parklea this season and McBride was the man making them tick particularly in the first half when they had us chasing shadows.

“They were also strong defensively with the experienced pairing of Terry Hewitt and Davie Hamilton giving very little away, however it’s a credit to the spirit of our players and the shot-stopping abilities of Craig Beaton that we managed to be only 1-0 down gong in at half time … and that goal only came about from a penalty-kick awarded for an unfortunate handball offence..

“We certainly got a lift when an off the ball incident led to the goalscorer Chris Lennon being red carded in the first half but the game continued to be played out with Thorniewood on top helped by McBride pulling the strings.

“Second half was a different matter entirely as our players rolled up the sleeves and pressed hard and our getting in the Thorniewood players’ faces saw us deservedly equalise through a terrific Craig Pettigrew header.

“And I felt we might have gone on to win the tie on the day but for the guys losing their momentum through the dismissals of Steven McAfee and Dylan McLaughlin in the closing stages for double yellow card offences.”

The hard working Port gaffer believes a place in next Tuesday afternoon’s third round draw remains up for grabs despite his young side facing a daunting trip through to Robertson Park for the replay.

He insisted: “ We are expecting a tough contest as their home record is decent, however I cannot help but think their pitch will not suit their passing style as much as Parklea’s wide open spaces and Astro-grass playing surface.

“The one thing my players won’t lack is enthusiasm so we’ll go there looking to make a better start to the game and get close up to deny time and space to their key players.

“A lot of lessons were learned from the first game and if we can put them into practice then this tie is certainly not done and dusted.”

A blow to Thorniewood’s team plans comes from an automatic three-match ban ruling out top scorer Lennon from participating in the replay clash.

Wood manager Andy Frame revealed: “The decision to send Chris off seemed a bit harsh in the circumstances, but promotion is our number one aim this season so we cannot risk him contesting his ban and maybe landing one or two more games if his appeal is deemed frivolous.

“And our goalkeeper Derek Barnes who missed out on Saturday with a back injury remains a major doubt, however Alex Connell came in and performed well so we’ll have no hesitation in giving him the nod again.

“Of greater concern is an ankle knock picked up by Terry Hewitt which caused him to miss training on Monday night and it may be closer to kick-off time before a decision is made on whether he plays or not.

“All told we’re not in the best shape for a game of this importance but I’m fairly confident we have enough quality in our ranks to get over this hurdle.

“Port Glasgow have good players but I take heart from knowing we dominated the first game until the sending off which also affected John Paul who could not get on the ball as much when we were down to 10 men.

“It’s back to a level playing field on Saturday and that could work in our favour.”

Ardrossan Winton Rovers are hoping to make home advantage tell when hosting the visit of replay opponents Darvel have placed left-sided defender Scott Houston on the open-to-transfer list at his own request.

Meanwhile, Scottish Junior Cup holders Beith were rewarded for their 1-0 weekend victory over BSC Glasgow with a plum tie at home to Greenock Morton when the pairings were made yesterday for the William Hill Scottish Cup third round.

The draw was kind to Junior Football’s surviving clubs with Bonnyrigg Rose landing a home tie against Dumbarton while Banks O’Dee (if they overcome Formartine in next weekend’s second round replay) will await the winners of Annan Athletic v East Stirling.