Scarva bounce back to see off Ballyoran

The visitors to Portadown Public Park were a goal behind with only two minutes of last Tuesday night’s league clash played.

They didn’t allow the setback to unnerve them and almost equalised when Gregory Douglas sent an inviting corner into the heart of the Ballyoran penalty area and Gareth Dillon headed wide of the target.

By the time the half-time whistle sounded, Scarva were back on level terms. Dean McCammon did well to retrieve possession on the left flank and slid the ball to Gary McCune, whose precise strike flashed past the Portadown keeper from a distance of around 25 yards.

Both sides had chances to take the lead in the second half but couldn’t convert them. Alex Hammond had this side’s best opportunity but couldn’t get his shot away in time.

The home side fired over the Scarva crossbar and Rangers keeper Ritchie McGivern saved brilliantly at the feet of the Ballyoran No 10.

A shot from the hosts then clipped the outside of the Scarva post and minutes later McGivern had to be alert to prevent his side from going behind.

After failing to capitalise on these chances, Ballyoran found themselves trailing for the first time in the match.

Stephen Morton passed the ball down the line and McCammon back-heeled it into the path of Gregory Douglas. He drifted effortlessly past a defender before setting up Steven Hendron, who finished clinically.

The home side won a late penalty but McGivern saved superbly and then reacted swiftly to deny Ballyoran again when the ball rebounded to a home player.

Afterwards Scarva Rangers manager Mo Brown praised his players for producing such a terrific display.