Intermediate Cup tie switched to Portstewart this week

Another Saturday, another game called off - that was the situation for Portstewart players and staff on Saturday.

Gary Taylor’s side were due to travel to Suffolk to play Donegal Celtic in the Intermediate Cup, but a frozen pitch hampered things.

The fixture has now been reversed, and will be played at Portstewart this coming Saturday, with a 1.30 kick off.

“It’s been a frustrating few months for us,” admitted the Ports boss.

“There was some talk that Saturday’s game would be played behind closed doors, then we heard that we could take supporters.

“On Wednesday we heard that the game would be subject to a pitch inspection, it was then called off - it’s really frustrating.

“I know Donegal Celtic have a new manager and new Board in, so we really don’t know what to expect ahead of Saturday’s game.

“These Cup games are a distraction that we don’t need, our last League game was away back in November.

“We were hitting good form at that stage.

“We felt that we would use the Intermediate Cup to give fringe players a game, but now everyone is looking to play.

“The only good thing is that any League games that have been played have went in our favour.

“Glebe had a good win against Tobermore on Saturday.

“Obviously it’s nice to still be in the Cup, but we are really keen to get back to league action and get points on the board.

“The League is our priority - it’s our main focus.”

If Portstewart are victorious against Donegal Celtic on Saturday, they will meet Wakehurst at home in the next round of the Intermediate Cup.

A defeat and they will have to wait and see if there’s a League fixture.

“We are due to play Banbridge next week, but if they are in Cup action, that will be off - it’s just a wait and see,” explained Taylor.

“There have been so many games called off and with Cup games taking priority, things are a bit mixed up.”

Taylor has boosted his squad in the past weeks, Chris Crowe has signed from Banbridge, and Stuart Millar is back training again after an accident.

“It’s good to get another player on board. Chris is a right back, so it’s good to get some cover.

“Dean Murray has left us due to work commitments, and Ryan Campbell has also left us.

“Dean has been a good servant to the club, and we are sad to see him go, but the door has been left open for him.

“On Saturday we will have a full squad to pick from, everyone is looking forward to get back to things properly.

“The boys are champing at the bit to get back to football again.

“We have been training hard, and anyone who has had a knock has had plenty of time to heal - we are ready to go,” admitted Taylor.

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