CHAMPIONSHIP TWO: Ports defeated at Annagh Utd

A tenth minute goal from the home side was enough to separate the sides, in what Gary Taylor described as a disappointing first half display by his outfit.

“We never came out in the first half at all.

“We were sluggish and were second to every ball.

“Then we gave away an awful goal in the tenth minute and that was really just the nail in the coffin.”

Portstewart had a penalty turned down just before the break, but credit to the players who battled hard in the second half in a bid to get back into the tie.

Bryan Tosh tested the Annagh United keeper on a number of occasions. Efforts from Steven Tosh and James Peden summed up the day for Portstewart, as they were tipped over the woodwork.

Graham Vauls was handed a second yellow card early in the second half, but despite the disadvantage, Taylor was happy with the effort shown by his side.

“We had to reshuffle things when Graham got sent off, and to be fair to him it was a very harsh decision. Graham is not a dirty player and he was really disappointed. We changed things around and played three at the back, and to be honest we should have taken something. We had a number of good chances, but it just wasn’t to be.”

Taylor admitted that his side can’t seem to find form: “It’s very frustrating. We’re playing well against the top teams in the league, and dropping points against teams we should be beating. On a good day we are capable of beating anyone, but when we are having a bad day nothing seems to go for us.”

Portstewart entertain Armagh City this Saturday.

James McLaughlin and Ian Todd will both miss the tie, as they are serving suspensions.