The sides meet again on Tuesday night to determine who meets Ballymena United or Glenavon in the semi-finals following this stalemate at Seaview.

The Ports moved in front on 27 minutes after Kevin Braniff slotted home after Jordan Baker squared the ball from the left.

But the cup holders were back on level terms within two minutes courtesy of Jordan Owens who turned a glancing header past David Miskelly from a Gareth McKeown long throw.

Both sides could have led at the break after Gary McCutcheon fired wide from the edge of the area despite being well placed while Miskelly did well to tip a Colin Coates effort over.

Chances were at a premium after the break although Ross Arthurs did do well to fire over from a tight angle on 66 minutes while, six minutes later, he headed against an upright after David McMaster had sent the ball back into the area after Miskelly had pushed away an Owens effort.