The Border outfit scored a 2-0 victory against Cairnlea at Altona’s Paisley Park on Tuesday night to move within two wins of reaching the last 32 in the country.

Tom Morrison put the visitors in front after eight minutes with a crisp half volley on the edge of the box.

An own goal from Anthony Boras doubled Murray’s advantage after 65 minutes which was enough to see them through.

Murray coach Elliot Jones admitted it was a great response from the side after a disappointing 1-0 loss at home to Sunshine-George Cross last Saturday.

“The guys are a really proud bunch and we know that we let ourselves down,” Jones said.

“We needed to be better with our energy and effort and that was certainly the catalyst.

“We got on top nice and early, controlled the game and played some of our best football.”

Morrison and Josh Mulcahy were the standouts.

“We spoke about Tom’s work rate after the game, he runs himself into exhaustion,” he said.

“He’s got the skill and flair that can unlock a game, but I guess what’s really underrated with Tom is the work he does defensively and when we go forward he transitions and works really hard.

“Josh played up front for us and he really gives us a different look up top.

“His ability to compete and create second chances for others around him is what’s really important.”

However, the game ended on a sour note for Murray with goalkeeper Adbulkerim Koc sent off after the final whistle.

More than 40 players, spectators and officials were caught up in a melee, with the Koc the only player shown a card.

Koc will miss Murray’s home fixture against Box Hill United on Saturday and possibly further matches.

“There was a lot pushing and shoving and the referee singled out Kerim, which was tough, but Kerim didn’t need to be there,” Jones said.

“I think he was trying to go in and protect other players, but ended up getting himself in the middle of the mix.

“A red after the game is always a little bit different and it was a straight red, so we’re probably expecting to miss him for a couple.”

The pending suspension gives Matt Mildren another opportunity after making his debut in round three.