Portrush steering towards promotion spot

A thumping 4-1 win by Portrush over their close rivals Antrim Fourths at Ballycastle on Saturday has left the home side in with an excellent shout for promotion.

It was a game that Portrush knew would be close and despite the scoreline it was sometimes not easy for the Seconds who are beginning to find a rhythm and an energy that will provide future opposition with plenty to think about.

In the opening exchanges in Saturday’s game, Antrim Fourths were the better side. Portrush struggled to clear the ball from their own half but fortunately for them, Antrim were unable to capitalise fully. However, they did take the lead following a short corner.

The setback galvanised the Portrush team and they took the game to Antrim, but couldn’t find the breakthrough before the interval.

After the break, Portrush again resumed on the offensive. Andy Christie enjoyed the tag of ‘super sub’ when he came on to score a brilliant goal.

Andy got the ball in the ‘D’ and fired a shot with such ferocity that it had goal written all over it.

Portrush continued to attack and following a short corner, Andy Dalzell managed to find the net to put the home side 2-1 in front.

By this stage, Portrush were dictating the game and it was a case of the two Andy’s striking again. First, Andy Christie made it 3-1 followed by the fourth from Andy Dalzell.

Only in the last five minutes of the game did Antrim find their form again, but they never looked like scoring.

Portrush’s defence was in top form and the team can take a great deal of credit for an excellent performance.

The club are grateful to The Central Bar for their support of the team.

Portrush: T. Kirkpatrick, J. McMullan, P. McMullan, A. Douglas, J. Hutchinson, B. McMullan, C. Henry, P. Linton, G. Christie, A. Dalzell, C. Leeming. Subs – A. Christie, S. Horner, C. Hogg.