Portstewart break Limavady United hearts

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Roesiders as they were denied by an inspired Joel Madison in the away goal.

He pulled off several top drawer saves added to the breakaway goals really against the run of play it was just one of those days at the office.

In truth though the turnaround since Christmas has been remarkable, so credit must go to Paul Owens and his team.

Ryan McAllister and Conor Grendon scored for the Seahawks with Conor O’Hara on target for the hosts.

As expected United created the first chance of the game; Cathair Friel and Gareth Brown combined to set up Owens but he was denied by a good save from Madison.

In the 11th minute they went close again; First Owens effort was cleared off the line, from the resultant corner Madison somehow clawed the ball away from Friel’s close range header.

Friel and Owens continued to pose a threat with both going close within the space of a few minutes.

Midway through the first period Hugh Carlin let fly from twenty yards with Madison again tipping over his effort.

With 30minutes gone they again carved open the visitors; Owens ball picked out the run of Corey McMullan who burst through on goal only to be denied by another brilliant save from Madison.

They did have another opportunity before half-time with Brown heading over from Owens cross.

The second half started the same as the first, Brown and Friel combining with the later firing over.

Portstewart took the lead totally against the run of play; McAllister’s ball into the box looked harmless with Paul Wells fumbling the ball into the net.

In the 70th minute United went close again; Brown the provider this time for Friel whose effort was tipped wide.

Eight minutes later the visitors struck another blow; Grendon racing onto a through ball before chipping over the advancing Wells.

Limavady should have been back in the game in the 80th minute; Friel’s cross first found its way to Blain Morrison who totally missed the ball then Owens fired the ball goalwards with Madison again on hand to deny the Roe men.

They did grab a goal three minutes later; O’Hara rising highest to head home from Brown’s cross.

United did have another late chance too; Friel seeing another shot saved with O’Hara then firing wide from the corner kick.

Limavady United: Wells, Harkin, McIvor, McClelland, Mullan, McFadden, Owens, McMullan, Brown, Friel, Carlin.

Subs: Morrison for McMullan (70mins), O’Hara for Harkin (82mins), Jennings, Ferris & Logue (Unused).

Portstewart: Madison, Bradley, McAllister, Peden, Neill, Murray, Donnell, Forgrave, McClements, Stewart, Doherty.

Subs: Grendon for Bradley (61mins), Kearney for Donnell (83mins), McGowan & Taylor (Unused).

Referee: Keith Taggart (Omagh).

Cautioned: Carlin (16mins), Bradley (23mins), Friel (58mins), Brown (68mins)