CHAMPIONSHIP TWO: First half goal enough to see off Knockbreda

The pitch is closed for remedial work, and the remainer of Portstewart's home games will be played at Coleraine Showgrounds or Ballymoney's Riada Stadium.

Ports boss Gary Taylor wanted to make Saturday's league tie with Knockbreda a memorable one for the home fans in light of the ground closure.

It was the visitors, however, who made the best start.

They had a penalty shout turned down early in the game, they hit the woodwork and McAllister in the Portstewart goal denied Crawford with a great save.

Despite the pressure, it was the home side who scored first.

Ryan McFadden's cross ball was parried clear by Mateer in the Knockbreda goal, but his clearance was met by Bryan Tosh who headed the Ports into the lead.

The second half was a scrappy affair, with the visitors being reduced to ten men after Johnston was shown a second yellow card. Things were evened up in the 66 minute when Portstewart captain, Gaston followed Johnston for an early shower, when he was shown a straight red card,

Knockbreda pressed for an equaliser, but Hugh McAllister proved hard to beat, pulling off a great save in the 72 minute to secure the points.

PORTSTEWART: McAllister, Todd, McFadden, J Peden, Ramsey, Gaston, O Peden, Vauls, Neill, Donnell, TOsh. Subs: Fisher, Friel, White, R Nicholl, McGarvey.

Man of the Match: James Peden