A contentious penalty decision around the hour mark proved to be the decisive moment as Dumbarton Academy FP were defeated 2-0 by Hurlford Thistle in round five of the RJM Sports Scottish Amateur Cup on Saturday.

Accies started the match positively and a Conor McGlinchey free kick saw Hurlford keeper Nick Byrne handle well under pressure.

Hurlford’s first opportunity came through a good combination between Eddie Ablorh and Steven Currie and Accies keeper Andrew McGillivray saved with a strong right hand.

Clear opportunities were at a premium as both teams battled to gain the upper hand. A rare moment of true class during the game saw MacPherson elude his marker with excellent footwork. MacPherson’s cross was blocked well by Stephen Auld - the ball flashing past his own upright.

Hurlford started the second half brightly.

Then with the match reaching the hour mark, the decisive moment arrived. Callum Davidson entered Accies box and was challenged by Alan Nicholson. Referee Paul Robertson pointed to the spot, judging Nicholson had fouled Davidson.

Kris Mitchell stepped up and produced a well taken penalty to Accies keeper McGillivray’s right-hand side. The keeper did well to get a hand on the ball but the power of the shot was enough to see the ball land in the net.

Hurlford scored a second on 82 minutes. Eddie Ablorh hit Accies’ bar with an effort and as the ball bounced around Accies’ penalty spot area Ablorh got another chance which he finished sharply. Despite pushing forward, Accies couldn’t find a route back into the game.