Scottish Communities Cup holders Johnstone Burgh's defence of the trophy came to a frustrating end as they lost 2-1 to an inspired Dundee North End side in today's quarter final, at a warm and sunny Keanie Park, Johnstone.

Burgh manager Murdo MacKinnon made one change from the starting XI that beat St Cadoc's 3-1 a week ago, with Stuart Faulds replacing Ian McShane.

Frankie Devine had the first chance of the match for Dundee North End in the 5th minute, but his right foot shot from 16 yards was dragged wide of the left hand post.

It had been a quiet start to the match for the Burgh. Their first chance came in the 23rd minute, but Lewis King's header at the back post from an Aaron Mason free kick, from around 8 yards, was saved by Dundee North End goalkeeper Ross Matthews.

Broque Watson was next to have an opening for the Burgh in the 27th minute, but his left foot shot from 16 yards, from the right side of the box, was saved by Matthews.

In the 34th minute Aidan Gilmartin had two well stuck shots blocked inside the box in the space of 30 seconds, as the Dundee North End defence held firm.

Gilmartin would come even closer to giving the Burgh the lead 4 minutes later, following some good play on the wing by Aaron Mason on the left. He then fed the ball to the big striker, but his well struck shot from 14 yards was brilliantly saved by Matthews. Darren Christie almost got to the re-bound, but it was not to be.

The teams would go in level at the break.

Half time: 0-0

Dundee North End made a bright start to the second half, and would take the lead through Bobby Linn in the 49th minute. The experienced former Arbroath man collected the ball around 20 yards from goal, made some space from himself, and fired a lovely left foot shot from the edge of the box high into the left hand corner of the net, leaving Luke Scullion with no chance.

Aidan Gilmartin came very close to equalising for Johnstone Burgh in the 55th minute as the big striker made an opening for himself at the edge of the box, but his powerful left foot shot that looked to be heading for the top left hand corner, was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Ross Matthews.

Just a minute later, Lewis King had a chance to level the game, but his goalbound header from around 6 yards was blocked on the line.

Dundee North End almost made it goal number 2 in the 57th minute. A poor clearance from Luke Scullion fell to Bobby Linn about 40 yards from goal, but with the empty net to aim at, his first time right foot shot went wide of the left hand post.

Midway through the second half, it would be Dundee North End who threatened again, but Leo Howett's shot from 25 yards went wide of the left hand post.

As the Burgh chased the equaliser, Kyle Lafferty had a chance from 12 yards but his powerful header was comfortably saved by Matthews, with just 15 minutes of normal time remaining.

Dundee North End would score their second goal of the afternoon in the 87th minute. A long throw from Liam Gibb landed at the feet of Leo Howett, who found himself in a great position to put a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but the final touch would come from Danny O'Neill, who diverted the ball into his own net for an unfortunate own goal.

Just 2 minutes later, Kyle Lafferty gave the Burgh a lifeline. Scott Forrester did well to win a header which fell to the Northern Irishman, who then fired an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box high into the net, leaving Matthews rooted to the spot.

As the game was about to enter added time, Kyle Lafferty almost scored his second goal in the space of 60 seconds, but his well struck shot from 8 yards, was brilliantly blocked by the Dundee North End defender.

The final chance of the match came for Johnstone Burgh in the 93rd minute, but Danny O'Neill's header at the back post sailed over the crossbar.

Dundee North End would see out the final 3 minutes of added time to seal a 2-1 win and their place in Sunday night's semi final draw at Hampden Park.

Congratulations to Dundee North End FC.

Full time: 1-2

Johnstone Burgh goal: Lafferty 89

Dundee North End goals: Linn 49, O'Neill OG 87

Starting XI: Scullion, King, Gilday, Forrester, O'Neill, Esplin (C) (McShane 64), Christie (Rossiter 64), Faulds (McDonald 76), Gilmartin (Lafferty 58), Watson (Murphy 76), Mason

Man of the match TBC:

A big thank you to the supporters of both Johnstone Burgh and our visitors Dundee North End for attending today's match at Keanie Park. We wish a safe journey home for everyone at Dundee North End.

Next up for Johnstone Burgh is Drumchapel United under the lights at Keanie Park, in the WoSFL Premier Division on Wednesday, 25th March. Kick off is at 7:30pm.

‍