FOOTBALL: Taylor impressed after Lurgan Celtic victory

The win came on the back of a disappointing defeat against Chimney Corner last week.

Goals from James Peden and Ian Todd secured the win.

“We played very well, probably one of the best performances of the season,” admitted Taylor.

The visitors opened the scoring through Fitzpatrick in the sixth minute, but Peden equalised from a free kick ten minutes later.

After this Portstewart dominated the tie with McAllister and Peden both going close.

The second half was a similar affair. Peden and McAllister were causing all sorts of problems for the Lurgan keeper, but it was Ian Todd who grabbed the winner, when he slotted home from a tight angle.

Bryan Tosh was sent off late in the tie for a second yellow and will miss this Saturday’s game.

And Taylor was full of praise for Todd, who returns to Portstewart on loan from H&W Welders.

“Toddy was with us for a long time and it’s great to have him back.

“We missed his presence up front, he is good at bringing players into the game, and I have no doubt that he will be a great asset to us,” said Taylor.

The Ports make the trip to Cookstown on Saturday to play Killymoon Rangers, and Taylor is expecting another tough test: “They play on a 3g pitch, it’s so unpredictable, the ball moves so quickly, but we have to take confidence from Saturday’s win.”

Taylor has a number of injury concerns ahead of the tie, Craig Ramsey, Steven Tosh and Ian Todd are all struggling with hamstring injuries.

PORTSTEWART: Joel Maddison, Andy Todd, James Peden, Craig Ramsey, Steven Tosh, Mervyn Nicholl, Ryan McAllister, Alan Gaston, Ian Todd, Bryan Tosh, Johnny Dinsmore.