Ferris finds the net but Ports fall short in final home fixture

Given the season's previous results and performances it was probably little surprise that the final home game of the season failed to produce an outcome in line with pre-match expectations.
Pat McGibbon. Pic by PressEye Ltd.Pat McGibbon. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Pat McGibbon. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

The talk ahead of kick-off within the fanbase was of one final push from the under-performing squad to sign off the Shamrock Park fixture list with a vital victory in Portadown’s relegation fight.

The final whistle signalled a damning derby defeat to Dungannon Swifts in which Portadown struggled to create and the only significant positive was another goal for bright young striker Nathaniel Ferris off an excellent Matthew Parker cross.

Andrew Mitchell added to his run of form this season against the Ports with a Dungannon double - the first a looping delivery from wide on the right which deceived goalkeeper David Miskelly and dropped over his head.

It arrived to kill off Portadown’s positive early start and the Swifts continued to carve out chances before the break for Terry Fitzpatrick and Dale Montgomery.

Portadown pushed for an equaliser after the interval - with Sean Mackle’s header off a Ross Redman cross one opening before Andy Coleman managed to claw away Robert Garrett’s long-range drive.

However, Michael Gault was caught in possession and a Douglas Wilson pass released Mitchell to increase his tally.

Ferris’ sidefoot shot suggested cause for late optimism but, ultimately, the home programme finished in additional frustration for the Ports.

PORTADOWN: David Miskelly, Adam Brown, Matthew Parker, Ken Oman, Garry Breen, Chris Casement, Sean Mackle, Robert Garrett, Gary Twigg, Nathaniel Ferris, Michael Gault. Subs: Martin Marron, Tim Mouncey, Mark McAllister (on for Gary Twigg, 72 mins), Ross Redman (on for Brown, 46 mins), Jake Richardson (on for Ferris, 83 mins).