FOOTBALL: Dunlop the hero

Portstewart’s new forward, Ricky Dunlop, son of the late Joey, got Gary Taylor’s side off the mark on Saturday in their first league win of the season against Chimney Corner.

Dunlop grabbed three in Portstewart’s 3-0 home win, in what proved to be a very convincing second half display by the Seasiders.

It was a scrappy first half, both sides seemed to cancel each other out and neither goalkeeper was tested.

A rejuvenated Portstewart came out for the second half and it wasn’t long before they took the lead.

Chimney Corner battled hard but the Portstewart defence held firm.

At the other end Dunlop ran the show grabbing two more before the final whistle.

Assistant Manager, Aaron Forgrave was pleased with his side’s second half display.

“ We were shocking in the first half.

“We couldn’t string two passes together, but we came out in the second half and showed the way we can play and it paid off in the end.”

Forgrave was full of praise for forward Dunlop: “ Ricky has been a great signing for us.

“He came from the Coleraine and District League, I think he scored over 30 goals last season, he’s got five already in the past two games, so we are thrilled.”

Portstewart are through to the next round of the North West Senior Cup after beating Ollie McAuley’s Tobermore last Tuesday night.

Goals from Ian Todd, Dean Murray and Alan Ewart helped them to a 3-1 win against the Championship One side.

“We put in a good display against Tobermore, who are a good side,” admitted Forgrave.

“We are delighted with the attitude of the younger players that we brought in this season - Dean Murray, Paul Millican, Archie Quinn and Conor Ferguson all did very well against Tobermore. It’s good to have these younger boys in the squad, they are lacking experience, but what they do have in abundance is a willingness to learn.”

Portstewart travel to Banbridge Town in the League this Saturday.