ST PATRICK’S FP were knocked out of the Cinema Cup in the third round after losing 3-1 away to Kilsyth AFC.

The visitors had little time to settle on the synthetic surface before Dempsey battered the ball into the roof of the net, courtesy of a neat cross from Bothwell. The disappointment was nearly lift three minutes later when Ryan Deeley clever lob over the keeper but the ball dropped the wrong side of the crossbar.

The moment only highlighted the difference between success and failure.

Play continued at a frantic pace but it seemed the home side were more eager than their guests and so it proved in the 21st minute. As play raged down the left, Tony Donachie, had made his way forward unnoticed on the other flank to pick up a clever cross that left his with the time and space to curl the ball home.

The second goal for Kilsyth was important though not quiet decisive as St Pats found another gear and before the break a fine save from Murray denied Dom McElroy, followed by two glaring missed chances from the visitors front men.

The second half, play remained a frantic but nervous encounter. Murray failed to hold the ball following a free-kick but responded in time to stop Finnigan blasting home but as St Pats drove forward the home side countered with a third.

St Pats persisted and with five minutes remaining Ruane squeezed the ball home for some sort of consolation.

This left Kilsyth deserved winners on a day, as for the visitors their final ball was poor on too many occasions and lacked a cutting edge and spark.

Next week its West Cup business for both St Pats teams. Blairdardie United at Posties and UB United on the Common.

Both teams will prove a challenge and note the kick off for both ties will be 1.30pm.