PORT MEN SHOW SOME BOTTLE
PORT Glasgow survived a Lugar fightback to claim a much-needed three points at Parklea.
The Undertakers appeared to have wrapped up the victory after they went 3-0 up through goals from Brad Cooper and Jamie McKenna’s double.
The hosts held on to claim the crucial win despite Thistle making it a nervy final 15 minutes.
Port winger Jonny Gallacher, who set up the second and third goals, said: “We could have let that slip but we are so relieved to get the win.
“I enjoyed the game as I was playing higher up the pitch and it’s a great role to play in this team.”
Port gaffer Stevie Wilson said: “We were great for the majority of the game but we fell asleep twice to allow them back into it with two goals, although, I’m delighted with the overall performance.
“We have a good squad now and everyone is getting fit and the competition for places and even to get on the bench is there.”
It only took five minutes for the Undertakers to take the lead when McKenna and Kyle Black combined to set up Brad Cooper to supply a neat lob over Scott Johnstone.
Boswell came close to finding a leveller when Conan Mackin found Lauchlan Reid whose effort was blocked by Roland Smyth.
Gallacher then began to perform down the flanks and a trademark run and low cross set up McKenna to rifle home and double the lead eight minutes after the break.
On the hour mark Port extended their lead when Gallacher was again the provider for McKenna to bag his second.
Lugar came into the game in the closing 15 minutes, with Sean Robertson taking advantage of poor defending to curl an effort inside of the near post from the edge of the penalty area.
Substitute Dean McLaughlin stabbed an effort goalwards that cannoned off ‘keeper Bryan Tucker to find the goal and set up a frantic finish with Port holding on to grab the win.
Port Glasgow would like to thank match sponsors Kilts 4 Less of Greenock who selected McKenna as the man of the match.
Port boss Wilson added: “I’m pleased for the supporters as they came out in numbers on a miserable wet day and I would like to thank the sponsors and hope they enjoyed their day.”
Port head for Saltcoats on Saturday with a 1.30pm kick-off.
Port Glasgow: Bryan Tucker, Euan Campbell, Josh McLaughlin, Joe Scullion, Roland Smyth, Craig McCormick, Brad Cooper (Drew McCann, 89), Kyle Black (Trialist, 62), Jamie McKenna (Argyll McCoist, 62), Macaulay McArthur (Kenny Mearns, 46), Jonny Gallacher. Subs not used: Connor McKenzie, Chris Kelly.
● Port Glasgow are sponsored by Dragon Soop, Dare2CreateIT, Caledonian Bar, Club Shop Direct and Temporal Travel.