Missed chances to blame as Ports record their first away defeat

Banbridge Town are unbeaten at home this season and the young side showed a lot of sparkle.

The home side had the first effort of the tie through Conor Downey, the visitors however were quick to counter attack with Moody and Doherty combining well to put pressure on Banbridge.

The home side made it 1-0 after six minutes through Boyle. Teggart was proving to be a real thorn in Portstewart’s side, and he was the architect behind their second goal in the 19th minute.

This was the wake up Portstewart needed and they worked hard to try and get back into the tie. Ryan Doherty tested keep Cairnduff on the half hour with a strong shot.

Portstewart looked like a different side in the second spell. Ricky Dunlop was unlucky with an effort early in the half. Ryan McAllister and Lee Forgrave worked hard for the Ports hoping to bring their side back into contention.

At the other end Boyle’s overhead kick was saved by Madison whilst Cairnduff saved from a Forgrave snap shot. Portstewart were applying a lot of pressure but they found the Town rearguard uncompromising. As the game continued Buchanan made a great block from a John Neill volley, but despite the pressure Portstewart could not get the goal they deserved.

Ports assistant manager Aaron Forgrave felt that his side should’ve got something from the tie: “We had a big mountain to climb being 2-0 down after 20 minutes. We didn’t start the game well, but I felt we had a good second half and with the chances we created we would’ve taken a draw.

“The positional changes at half time really made a difference, it was just a day of missed opportunities.”

Portstewart have no tie this Saturday.

They return to league action on Saturday, November 30, when they enterain Annagh United.

After they face Championship One side Dundela in the Irish Cup.

“It’s a home draw against one of the top teams in the league above us, it’ll be a difficult task, but it’s the Cup game so you never know,” admitted Forgrave.

Portstewart FC will be hosting a fundraiser this Friday night, November 22.

Get your quiz brains on for a night of craic.

The quiz will start at 7.30. Get a team together and get down there.

Meanwhile anyone who wishes to sponsor a game should contact Club PRO Alistair Mac Fadyen.