CHAMPIONSHIP TWO: Portstewart move up to fourth after draw with Annagh United

The matched ended scoreless at Seaheaven, in Portstewart's first game in three weeks.

But on a positive note, Taylor welcomed back Marty Smith, who has been out with a long term injury, and Ryan McFadden was back on the bench after injury.

In the early exchanges it was the visitors who looked the sharpest, but any efforts were easily dealt with by Hugh McAllister in the Portstewart goal.

Graham Vauls should have put Portstewart ahead after 17 minutes, when he was picked out by Ferry.

Vauls could only watch as his shot bobbled into the arms of Nelson.

In the second half Annagh had the ball in the net, but the referee ruled it out for offside.

A Portstewart free kick by Brian Tosh drifted wide of the post - summing up the day for Taylor's side.

"it certainly wasn't a classic, " admitted Gary.

"Both sides hadn't played in three or four weeks, and it showed. We were rusty.

"On the plus side Marty Smith returned.

"I was hoping to give him the last 20 minutes, but he ended up replacing me at half time. Marty is of course lacking match sharpness, but I've no doubt that he'll pick this up in the weeks ahead."

Portstewart are now sitting fourth in the league, and the draw with Annagh means that they've now gone four games unbeaten.

"It's good to keep the results going", said Gary.

"We play Sport and Leisure this Saturday. It's difficult to call any game in this league, everyone is capable of beating each other.

"We played Sport and Leisure at the start of the season and beat them, so I would be hopeful we can do the same again this week."

Portstewart's game with Sport and Leisure has a 2pm kick off.

PORTSTEWART: McAllister, White, Nicholl, Taylor, Gaston, Ramsey, Friel, Vauls, Ferry, Neill, Todd. Subs: McFadden, Tosh, Donnell M Smith, McGarvey.