FOOTBALL: 'Nothing to be ashamed of' says Ports boss

The young striker grabbed his side's only goal in their 5-1 CIS Insurance Cup clash with Glenavon at Mourneview Park on Saturday.

Speaking after the defeat seasiders boss Gary Taylor told Times Sport: "I knew we were never going to beat Glenavon. They are a good footballing side, but I was pleased with the way we played, we certainly have nothing to be ashamed of.

"We tried to play football and to be honest a few of the goals could have been prevented."

Glenavon went in front after just four minutes when Mark Miskimmin side-footed home.

At the other end Portstewart threatened through Owen Peden, but Stuart King doubled the lead for the home side on 13 minutes.

Joel Maddison was the busiest man on the pitch as Glenavon threatened through Costello and on 23 minutes the score was 3-0 when Miskimmin fired home.

Just before the break Portstewart had a great chance to pull a goal back. Good play between Owen Peden and Cahir Friel found Bryan Tosh but his chip just went over the upright.

Portstewart came out for the second half in a more determined fashion. James Peden had an effort and Bryan Tosh was causing all sorts of problems for the Glenavon defence.

Despite the good start it was the home side who scored a fourth through Trevor Molloy.

Stewart rounded off the scoring for the hosts on 81 minutes when he slotted home a neat finish.

With just five minutes left on the clock, Portstewart's hard work paid off when Kris McNeill headed home a Bryan Tosh cross.

Despite the scoreline, Gary Taylor said he was proud of his boys: "Kris McNeill has made a massive step up from the junior leagues last year, and he has done really well.

"This was only his second game - that's two goals in two games for him, and to be honest I don't think he will stop smiling for a few days."

Gary also paid tribute to Bryan Tosh who he said had an 'excellent' game.

And Gary's opposite number, Marty Quinn added: "Portstewart came today looking a good tanking and I asked the boys to give them it but it didn't happen unfortunately. If you had offered me a 5-1 win before the game I would have taken it, and with Miskimmin getting off the mark again I'm happy enough."

Portstewart are back to league action this Saturday, and Taylor is hoping to pick up their first points of the season.

"We play PSNI at home. They have a new manager, and I would expect a few new players, so we don't really know much about them. But we have to take confidence from our display against Glenavon."