CHAMPIONSHIP TWO: Dun and dusted for Portstewart!

RYAN McAllister was the man of the moment as Portstewart put in an impressive display to beat Dundela on Saturday.

McAllister came off the bench to score and set up a goal in the 3-0 win.

And his boss Gary Taylor was delighted with the display: “I was really happy to put last week’s result at Killymoon behind us.

“Ryan came off the bench and scored a goal and set one up - that was made even sweeter by the fact that it was against Dundela that Ryan broke his leg last season,” explained Gary.

Portstewart played most of the game with 10 men after James McLaughlin was set off for kicking out at a Dundela player after 20 minutes.

But, despite the disadvantage, Portstewart dug deep and opened the scoring after 26 minutes. Defender Mervyn Nicholl hit home after a goal mouth scramble.

After this Johnny Dinsmore and Bryan Tosh both went close, but the Dundela keeper proved too strong.

The second half was a similar affair with Portstewart setting out their stalls from the off.

McAllister made it 2-0 after a mistake by the Dundela keeper. He then turned provider as Bryan Tosh nipped in with a third on the 80th minute to secure the win.

“It was a good weekend,” said Taylor.

“We just need to be more consistent.

“We seem to play better at home - last week’s defeat at Killymoon just sums that up. Had we beaten them and Chimney Corner we would have been sitting well up the table.”

The Portstewart boss praised Mervyn Nicholl and keeper Hugh McAllister, who are both returning to the side after injury. “It was great to have Mervyn Nicholl, Bryan Tosh, Graham Vauls and Hugh McAllister back.

“These lads are the spine of the team and they really made a difference. Hugh is waiting on an operation, but we had to draft him in as Joel [Maddison] got married at the weekend, and Hugh certainly didn’t let himself down.”

Portstewart travel to Coagh this Saturday, and Taylor is hoping his side can find some away form: “It’s never an easy place to get a result, but if we play like we did on Saturday, I have no doubt that we can give them a run for their money.

Meanwhile Portstewart Reserves are through to the next round of the NW Junior Cup after beating Greysteel Cetlic.

‘Support your local club’

PORTSTEWART PRO Alistair McFadyen has made a rallying call to local football fans.

He is appealing for sponsorship to help support Portstewart Football Club.

“Like many other teams at our level, we are finding it hard to stay afloat,” admitted Alistair.

The Club are planning a number of fundraisers over the coming months and Alistair is appealing for local businesses and supporters to show their support.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Club or helping with fundraisers should contact Alistair on 07770559717 or via email [email protected]