CHAMPIONSHIP TWO: Derby win for Portstewart

The visitors made a bright start and could have been two up within the opening 10 minutes.

On eight minutes Owen Peden curled a free kick just over the bar. Two minutes later Ryan McFadden's effort was turned around the post by Sammy Foster in the home goal.

Portstewart were finally rewarded for their efforts on 17 minutes as Peden curled home a terrific free kick from 25-yards.

The lead last only five minutes though as the hosts were awarded a penalty, which they duly dispatched.

It was end to end for the remainder of the first half with Rowan Neill and Graham Vauls going close for the Ports. Tobermore hit the bar at the other end and only a superb tackle by Craig Ramsey denied what would have been a certain goal two minutes before the break.

Portstewart started the second half as they did the first and took the lead again five minutes after the restart after a great run down the left by Andy Todd. His cross picked out Vauls who fired home.

Poor finishing and some great defensive work kept Gary Taylor's side in front and they doubled their advantage on 68 minutes as Cahir Friel slotted home from Peden's free kick.

The home side pile don the pressure but the Ports defence marshalled by Man of the Match Craig Ramsey kept them at bay. And when Johnny Law's side did break through the rearguard Hugh McAllister was there to deny them.

In the dying minutes Tobermore did manage to pull one back after a goal mouth scramble, but the Ports held on to claim the win.

Portstewart have a free week this week but are away to Lurgan Celtic on Saturday 10 April.

Team: McAllister, Todd, McFadden, J Peden, Ramsey, Nicholl, O Peden, Vauls, Neill, Donnell, Friel. Subs: White, Parish, Gaston, Tosh, McGarvey.