Swifts win on opening day of theseason

Rathfriland Swifts 1

RATHFRILAND Swifts were on their travels in the opening game of the season with an away tie at Portadown BBOB and after the 90 minutes edged out the Co Armagh outfit with a late goal.

On chances created the Swifts could have been well ahead by half time with Micky Morgan going close and Joe Toal being hauled down for what looked a certain penalty.

The same player also went close at the near post and while Morgan again had another effort that went narrowly wide.

At the other end Portadown BBOB forced a great save from Gavin Allen with the back four keeping it tight to the half time whistle.

In the second half Alan Murray stole forward and had a cracking drive from 20 yards just over the crossbar while a great pull back by Liam McGivern seen Micky Morgan just missing out on connecting at the right moment.

At the other Alan Murray superbly hooked out a Portadown effort from just under the crossbar while Rathfriland continued to force a number of corners.

It was from one such corner that PhIlip Johnston headed downwards past the keeper and into the net for what turned out to be a superb injury time winner.

Overall a super effort by the travelling Swifts who worked hard all afternoon and got just reward for their effort.

TEAM: Gavin Allen, Lee McDowell, Gavin Duffy, Alan Murray, Brian Magennis, David Gilmore, Joe Toal, Ryan Monaghan, Micky Morgan, Keith Megaw, Liam McGivern.

Subs: Anthony Cunningham, Philip Johnston, Paul Campbell, Niall Maginn.