Morton 1-1 St Mirren

Jul 27 2008 Kenny Macdonald at Cappielow

St Mirren win 5-4 on penalites

GUTTED Morton skipper Peter Weatherson is banning himself from taking penalties after his sudden death shootout miss handed Renfrewshire Cup glory to their fierce rivals.

His effort was stopped by Buds No.1 Mark Howard after Gary Brady had keep his cool to net.

And Weatherson said: "That's the last penalty I will take - I am off them for good.

"If the club needs me I would have to consider it but as for nominating myself then no."

The loss was tough luck on Ton who held their own against their SPL opponents and had led early on through Iain Russell.

Inside four minutes John Newby came close with an eight-yard shot that Howard easily clutched.

Newby then hooked across the goal but Russell headed wide.

Buddie Marc McAusland and Ton's Brian Wake were early injury victims after a sickening clash of heads.

Bloodied Wake was replaced by Stewart Greacen. Teen McAusland's head was also cut but he managed to carry on despite needing attention.

Ton broke the deadlock in 22 minutes. Newby whipped a low cross to the back post and Russell smashed a closerange shot into the net.

But the home fans' joy was short-lived as bandaged hero McAusland met an Andy Dorman corner and aimed a header high into the net for the leveller minutes later.

In the second half Billy Mehmet fired over for Buds in 55 minutes.

At the other end Newby and Russell combined again. Russell just couldn't connect in front of goal, though.

Things threatened to boil over when Kevin Finlayson was late on Franco Miranda.

There was a flare-up and ref Iain Brines booked both players. That was the last real drama before the final whistle and both teams agreed on a shootout. It was 4-4 when Brady scored and Howard (below) blocked Weatherson with his legs to send Buds fans home happy.

St Mirren boss Gus MacPherson heaped praise on McAusland, 19.

He said: "Marc was outstanding for one so young and didn't look out of place.

"It shows he is capable of competing for a first-team place."

Morton gaffer Davie Irons said: "I was pleased with the first hour but the boys tired.

"It was a stepping stone towards the start of the league."