Helensburgh FC’s perfect record this season was ended in heartbreaking style on Saturday when they suffered an extra-time defeat to SAFL Premier League side East Kilbride Rolls Royce in the third round of the West of Scotland Cup.

Burgh ran their higher division hosts close but went down 2-1 after extra time – and having taken the lead.

The expected onslaught from the home side didn’t materialise in the first half as Burgh chased down their hosts, and half-time came with the two teams deadlocked.

The second half was much like the first, but with the home side becoming a tad desperate in their quest to break down a resolute Helensburgh.

Their desperation became even greater when Burgh scored to put an upset in the cards.

A free kick caught the keeper out and as he dropped the ball into the path of Brooks Tadlock, he reacted by firing the ball past a stunned EK defence.

It was then backs to the wall as the home team pressed for an equaliser, although once again Burgh’s defensive line held firm.

With two minutes remaining the referee gave a hotly disputed free kick to the home side just outside the box and from the resultant kick the home side squared the game.

Extra time was required to separate the sides, and with just five minutes left of the second period and a penalty shoot-out looming large on the horizon, EK snatched victory when Burgh were unable to clear a corner and the ball was forced over the line after a goalmouth scramble.

Manager Sam Gemmell said: “Needless to say the lads were gutted to come so close to causing a wee upset against a higher placed team.

“To lose the two goals from set pieces was also frustrating as defensively we had been superb throughout the game.”

Helensburgh squad: O’Brien, Makeham, Johannson, Maule, Meader, Johns, Jeffries, Martin, Sinclair, Howells, Tadlock, Rowe, Black, Park, Phipps

* This Saturday, November 4, Helensburgh are looking to bounce back from their West Cup disappointment when they host Dundee side St James Athletic in the third round of the Scottish Amateur Cup at Hermitage Academy. Kick-off is at 2pm.

* Also in Scottish Amateur Cup action this Saturday are Rhu Amateurs, who make the short journey to Dumbarton for a tough tie against St Patrick's FP, currently second top in the Central Scottish AFL Premier Division.