Second-half fight-back sees Pupils draw level with Saltcoats side

In the 36th minute the lead was doubled when Pupils keeper Alasdair Ferguson was caught in no man’s land in an attempt to catch the ball, and McEvoy headed into an unguarded goal.

Ryan Deans had a half-chance for the Pupils just before the half-time whistle but he was forced wide and his attempt from a tight angle was saved.

The players were annoyed with their first-half performance and were determined to get back into the match, and they totally dominated the second period, with Finlay Bainbridge and Calum Ellis tormenting the full-backs into submission.

They held out until the 74th minute when a penalty was awarded after Ellis was chopped down inside the area. The youngster dusted himself down before sending the keeper the wrong way with an excellent effort.

The Pupils pushed for the equaliser but were nearly caught out with a counter attack, after the speedy Saltcoats sub Adam Kamara raced clear and Ferguson had to dive bravely at his feet to save with the goal at his mercy.

Scott Souden got the well-deserved equaliser in the 86th minute with a wonderful effort. He smashed a left-footed volley from 20 yards that left the keeper clutching at thin air.

It was a fairly satisfying point away from home for the Pupils, after the disappointing first-half.

Tomorrow (Saturday), they play their third cup tie in four weeks, travelling to take on West Park United in the West of Scotland Cup.