THE chance to make a bit of history awaits Cumbernauld United's players in tomorrow's Euroscot Eng Sectional League Cup semi-final against Port Glasgow.

Team boss John Queen is looking to steer his team to their first-ever final appearance in the competition.

The opportunity comes only weeks after United reached their first final in 36 years, only for Clydebank to lift the Central League Cup with a 3-0 victory.

"That game was played in early June," Queen explained, "and we have seen a whole raft of dressing-room changes since then.

"So it beggars belief that we now find ourselves 90 minutes away from a second consecutive appearance in a final.

"It would not be far off the mark to describe us as a side packed with players still learning their trade, so the guys have exceeded all expectations in getting to this semi-final.

"You can take it as read that my players are determined to give it their best shot tomorrow night. There are no easy games in semi-finals, so we are preparing for a tough test against the Port, who will no doubt be every bit as motivated as our guys."

Queeny is urging his troops to make the most of home advantage.

But he is looking for a massive improvement on their display at Guys Meadow on Saturday when they drew 2-2 with Maybole. Cumbernauld had to come from behind twice, with goals from Scott Murphy and Gary Carroll securing a draw.

They also finished with 10 men after Tony Fraser was sent off for two yellow cards.

Queen admitted: "The truth is that we were fortunate to take a point.

"Maybole's physicality knocked us of our stride and they were the better team on the day.

"I can't even offer up Fraser's sending-off as an excuse because we played our best stuff with 10 men and almost stole an undeserved win in the last minute.

"The feelings of disappointment over our display were evident in our dressing room afterwards. I sense the players will be fired up to grab the opportunity to put things right in tomorrow's game."

Experienced defender Fraser will be available for selection, as will outstanding prospects Gavin Mackie and Ross Foley, who were both rested on Saturday.

Cumbernauld were the only one of the Euroscot Eng Cup semi-finalists not to record a victory at the weekend.

Port Glasgow received a welcome morale boost with a 1-0 win at Forth Wanderers 1-0 thanks to Jo Jo Connolly's penalty conversion. But the scorer and his midfield partner Jo Jo and Ross Kearns were both forced off with groin and ankle injuries respectively.

Port boss Craig Brown said: "Not many teams will come away from Kingshill with three points this season, so I'm thrilled to get our league campaign off to a winning start.

"Unfortunately our victory came at a cost because Jo Jo and Ross Kearns were both forced to come off early. They are now doubtful for the trip up to Cumbernauld.

"Their absences would be a big blow, especially as Paul Gordon has torn his calf muscle and is a definite non-starter while Kieron Docherty has a tight hamstring.

"On the upside, we'll have Scott Patterson back while Gus Gault came into our line-up on Saturday. His battling qualities certainly shored up our midfield.

"Eddie Walton and Paul Coyle have been organising our younger players and have played a major part in our good start to the season.

"I'm sure we will put out a strong side against Cumbernauld. They are a Superleague side and playing at home so they will be firm favourites.

"But my players will relish going up against them. Scott Nugent is back at his razor-sharp best in front of goal.

"If we can create chances, I'm sure he will make the most of them."