<span>St Pat</span><span>s just missed out on an M and M Cup final spot after a 3-2 defeat to East Kilbride last week.</span> <span>St Pat</span><span>s just missed out on an M and M Cup final spot after a 3-2 defeat to East Kilbride last week.</span> The Dumbarton team started in lack lustre form, the disappointment of having put so much into the midweek league game against Harestanes only to lose the points with a last minute goal via a free kick was perhaps weighing on their minds.

Facing a gale force wind in their direction made it difficult enough. Saints never got the hang of a measured pass in defence and were made to pay in the 21st minute.

A cracking shot was punched clear by Craig Love but the ball was immediately force back across the goal line where Morgan was waiting to convert with ease.

Matters got worse for the Saints just after the half hour mark when a rash tackle brought a free-kick. That left Andrew Russell to find the target with a curling shot around the wall.

By this time the Dumbarton men took the hint and produced some excellent attacking play up to the break. McElroy had the ball in the net but was deemed off-side followed by a double save from the Kilbride keeper David Murray.

The second half saw St Pat’s have the advantage of the wind at their backs but Murray was blessed with some bizarre luck. On one occasion the ball came off his defender only to hit off the woodwork with him beaten, before the Saints got back in contention with some 20 minutes remaining.

The referee had no option but to point to the spot when Smith broke into the area before being impeded. Kevin McElroy stepped forward to convert in style but the East Kilbride team nerves were calmed when they got a disputed third goal soon after.

St Pat’s did continue to press and hopes were raised once again when Thomas Smith cracked home a low shot that gave Murray no chance and while they persisted to the end they scorned too many chances and left the East Kilbride team to contest the final.

St Pat’s would like to pass on their thanks to Kilsyth Rangers FC and the Central Scottish AFL committee for all their help and assistance on the day.