Late goals dash Scarva hopes of gaining point

Those hopes were decisively dashed, however, when visitors Portadown BBOB struck twice in the closing stages to clinch victory.

It was tough on the under-strength home side, their depleted ranks bolstered by five outfield players over the age of 40.

The Scarva players should take pride from producing such a dogged defensive display but having come so close to emerging from the encounter with a point those two late goals left the hosts bitterly disappointed.

Portadown BBBOB broke the deadlock during the first half of this Mid Ulster Division Two encounter at Scarva Park, netting from the penalty spot, and were denied a second goal when the ball was headed clear on the home side’s goal line.

Rangers equalised after a long clearance from goalkeeper Wilson was headed into the path of Kyle Foster by Alex Hammond.

Foster raced clear and fired the ball into the Portadown BBOB net.

A superb volley from Sam Boyd from outside the penalty area struck the side netting as Scarva went close to taking the lead prior to half-time.

As the second half wore on the Portadown side grew ever more dominant, forcing a series of corners.

From one of these they eventually restored their lead and extinguished any remaining hopes the home side had of rescuing a point when they added a third goal.

Sam Boyd produced a vibrant display before being forced off through injury in the second half but all his team mates also deserve credit for their industry and commitment.