However, with the Ports going into this second leg with a five-goal cushion even this relatively heavy loss to Whitey Anderson's side wasn't going to put their grip on the trophy in jeopardy.

The Mallards went ahead after just 14 minutes through Darren Higginbotham when connected with a low David Kee free-kick to send the ball past Neil Armstrong.

And their slim hopes of pulling off the monumental of shocks was further boosted eight minutes later when the Ports were reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Keith O'Hara for violent conduct.

Amazingly, the visitors doubled their advantage on 59 minutes through the head of the unfortunate Andy Hunter after he turned a Duwayne McManus cross past his own 'keeper.

The Ports pulled a goal back, though, seven minutes courtesy of Aaron Haire who punished the United defence after being given too much time and space before, on 75 minutes, the Mallards ensured victory on the night when James McKenna headed home their third from a McManus cross.