TEN-man Porthmadog turned in a heroic effort before eventually falling to a penalty shootout defeat at Airbus Broughton in the JD Welsh Cup third round.

The in-form Huws Gray Alliance side added their name to a select group that have held the runaway second tier leaders to a draw after 90 minutes during a resolute display in difficult conditions, but they had nothing to show for their efforts after the drama of penalties and will look to get back to winning ways during their long trip to Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant on Saturday (2.30pm).

Under siege from the hosts for much of the first half, Port battled to contain a potent Airbus attack with keeper Paul Pritchard doing well to thwart several efforts on goal before Asa Hamilton’s fiercely struck effort hit the post.

But it was Port who went ahead on 32 minutes when Julian Williams fired home at the near post from Sion Edwards’ cross.

Sustained second half pressure from the hosts eventually yielded an equaliser on 75 minutes when Lewis Buckley poked home on the rebound after Leo Riley’s effort had struck the crossbar.

Influential Port midfielder Jay Gibbs was then sent off in the closing stages for a second bookable offence.

Despite the Wingmakers’ numerical advantage they were unable to conjure an extra-time winner, with Port defending superbly to force a shoot-out.

With Port’s Gruff John and Shaun Cavanagh both wayward in their attempts from the spot, Buckley netted the decisive penalty to seal a 4-2 Airbus victory.