No old pals act: Taylor set to welcome Todd’s Coagh United to Seahaven

Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Championship Two side Portstewart.
Limavady United's Gareth Tommons held back by Portstewarts Matt Hynds in the Craig Cup match on Saturday. INLV4015-253KDRLimavady United's Gareth Tommons held back by Portstewarts Matt Hynds in the Craig Cup match on Saturday. INLV4015-253KDR
Limavady United's Gareth Tommons held back by Portstewarts Matt Hynds in the Craig Cup match on Saturday. INLV4015-253KDR

On Saturday they crashed out of the Craig Memorial North West Cup despite a gutsy performance against rivals Limavady United.

They also added another player to the injury list as captain James Peden was carried off with a knee injury.

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Limavady’s Daibhibd McIvor scored the only goal of the game late in the second half to book his side a semi-final spot.

Portstewart were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half time when Stuart Millar was given a straight red for a tackle on Paul Wells in the Limavady goal.

“All the bad luck seems to be coming at the one time,” said the Ports boss.

“We have Ryan Doherty out for at least two months and now James Peden is out until at least Christmas, if we didn’t have bad luck we would have no luck at the minute,” he said.

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“James may need an operation. He has damaged the ligament in his knee, he is seeing a specialist today (Monday), so he will be out until at least Christmas.

“On the other hand Ryan Doherty now has his cast off. He is getting physio and he’s been told not to do anything for two months until he sees the doctor again.

“Hopefully Ryan will be back sooner than we first thought.”

It was a good display by Portstewart who welcomed back Lee Forgrave and Matt Hynds following suspensions.

Gary also praised David Healey for his contribution to Saturday’s game.

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“Unlike other weeks, we played well, and the boys were very disappointed not to have won the game.

“The only goal of the game came with four minutes to go, but we had been reduced to ten men after Stuart Millar was sent off just before half time, so that put the pressure on us.”

Looking to Saturday’s tie, when Portstewart welcome former player Ian Todd back with his Coagh United side. Gary is hoping that lady luck will be shining on his side.

“I know from talking to Ian that they are having the same problems as us,” told Gary.

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“It’s a twelve pointer for us. It’s a must win. This run of bad luck can’t continue. We had a good talk with the boys during the week and they know what is expected of them.

“They all gave 100 percent on Saturday, and I can’t ask for much more than that. We just need a wee bit of luck on our side.

“We played with heart on Saturday.

“We created chances in front of goal, and the boys that came in and had to play out of position did very well.

“We just need to keep focused.

“We have been hit by silly suspensions and sendings off, but apart from the two long term injuries we have everyone available again for selection this week.”

Sat

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Portstewart: Madison, Bradley, Campbell, Peden, Neill, Millar, Forgrave, Hynds, Healy, Moore, Dysart.

Subs: Murray for Pedan (29mins), Stewart for Hynds (81mins), McAllister for Healy (86mins), Connor (Unused).

Meanwhile Portstewart Reserves drew 1-1 with Ballycastle in CDL.