Dismal season ends for Whites

LISBURN Distillery signed off a dismal season with yet another defeat at Portadown as they failed to score in a league game for the 20th time this season.

The Whites at least put in an improved performance at Shamrock Park but yet again a lack of class in front of goal cost them dear as Sean Mackle’s 81st minute winner summed up what has been a disastrous campaign for Distillery.

Caretaker boss Sammy McFadden made five changes to his side, handing a full first-team debut to right-back Ryan Irwin. The new look side certainly seemed good value for at least a draw but really they only had themselves to blame, having missed the best opportunities of the game.

They should even have been ahead after just three minutes but the lively David McCullough couldn’t punish David Miskelly’s gaffe and seconds later Scott Davidson could only curl an effort over the crossbar after being played in by Jordan Forsythe.

Portadown did finally spring into action but Darren Murray, who has bagged 18 goals this season, had an uncharacteristic off day up front. Strike partner Gary Twigg delivered a perfect cross for Murray on eight minutes but, as his header soared over the bar, it was a mark of things to come.

Brian Gartland, who was later released by the Ports, put in a cross soon after and when Billy Brennan could only flap it down onto the six yard line, Murray still couldn’t hit the target.

After the break, Distillery started the half as strongly as they had began the first and couldn’t have had better opportunities to bag their first goal in five league matches.

On 51 minutes, Garry Breen brought down Scott Davidson and when referee Mark Courtney pointed to the spot, Davidson looked a cert to score. However, he booted his penalty kick down the centre of the goal and Miskelly hung out a leg to stop it rippling the net.

Seconds later, Jordan Hughes was played through on goal and against appeared sure to tuck the ball past Miskelly. The big stopper still wasn’t to be beaten though as he stood tall to deny the forward.

Aaron Traynor even burst forward from the left played to get in on the act but, after completing a neat one-two with Hughes, saw his effort deflected wide.

For all Distillery’s efforts, there was no reward and as has been the case all too often this season, they were punished at the other end.

Ross Redman found space on the left wing, delivered a cross and Mackle flicked a superb finish into the top corner to give Billy Brennan no chance.

It was the 90th league goal that the Whites have conceded in 38 league games, a disappointing way to end a season that is probably best forgotten as Distillery bow out, for now at least, of the top flight.

PORTADOWN: Miskelly, Mackle, Redman, Ramsey Breen, McNeill, Murray, Braniff, Mouncey, Gartland, Twigg.

Subs: Lecky, McCafferty, Patton, Andrew Burns, Okunaiya.

LISBURN DISTILLERY: Brennan, Irwin, Traynor, Morton, Simpson, Forsyth, McCann, McCullough, Davidson, Melly, Hughes. Subs: Halliday, Ferguson, Withers, Beggs, Hunter.