Derby defeat for Portstewart as Ballymoney grab three points

The home side dominated the tie and even hit the wood work, but it wasn’t to be for Gary Taylor’s side.

Speaking to Times Sport on Monday the Portstewart boss said he was disappointed with the result because he felt his side played the better football on the day.

“We did enough to win the game.

“Nigel Turner, Ricky Dunlop and Chris Hanson all had good chances in front of goal.

“We dominated from the first minute to the 89th, unfortunately we gave away a free kick and Ballymoney grabbed the winner from this. It was going to be one of those games where one goal won it, and unfortunately it wasn’t our goal.

“James Peden returned on Saturday, he wasn’t fully ready, but I am hopeful that a few training sessions this week will see him back on form. Andy White is a few weeks away from a return, so I hope that these additions will bring us back to form,” admitted Taylor.

Portstewart travel to Cookstown this Saturday to take on Killymoon Rangers.

Taylor is hoping that his side can bounce back from the two league defeats on the trot.

“Killymoon are a physical side. They play on a very tight 3G pitch, so it’llbe a tough test for us.

“We have recorded three defeats in three weeks, one being in the Cup, but I am hopeful that we can get ourselves back on track.

“We’ve progressed so much from last season.

“Other teams are starting to sit up and take heed of us. We just need to get a little bit of confidence in front on goal.”