Understrength U12s go down to Ports

THE Juniors went into this game with just eleven players and it was always going to be a big ask to get something from the game.

They were under pressure right from the first whistle and had to rely on their defenders early on to make tackles, in particular Jordan Wilkinson who threw his body on the line to deny the Ports on a number of occasions as did keeper Michael McGrath who kept up his good form with a couple of fine stops.

Town weathered this early pressure and began to excert themselves on the game and after 15 minutes they earned themselves a corner and a couple of mazy runs by Louis McBurney but they couldn’t find the back of the net.

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On 25 minutes a goalmouth scramble involving Dozie Ajeh and Ben Johnston who both showed great effort but again the goal remained elusive for Town.

Cameron Sands got a great block in as Portadown went looking for an opener and a minute later they went 1-0 up after a long range lucky shot found the corner of the net.

The Ports added two more before the break as they upped the tempo but as the second half got underway the Juniors again showed great spirit and were rewarded with a penalty that the reliable Cameron Sands blasted home with ease.

Town went in search for a second with Jamie Feeney seeing plenty of ball and the backline of David McGill, Ross Shields and Jack Arlow defended well and at the other end Portadown keeper made good saves from Jake Corbett, Ben Johnston and Dozie Ajeh.

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Portadown added two more before the final whistle despite the best efforts from the Juniors to leave the score 5-1.

Man of the match went to Jordan Wilkinson, a relative newcomer to the team, who put in a sterling effort all day.

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