Taylor praises young side as Portstewart bow out of cup

Gary Taylor’s young charges put it up to their more illustrious opponents and were unlucky to go down 2-0 in front of one of the biggest crowds Seahaven has ever housed.

The chat from most of the fans leaving the seaside venue on Saturday was complimentary towards the Championship Two outfit and how they went about their business on the day.

Whilst frustrating Ronnie McFall’s men for large parts of the game they also tried to get the ball down and play football the right way.

In the end they were undone by two late goals by poachers Gary Twigg and Darren Murray.

“I was very proud with the way we played,” Taylor said.

“We had a great first half and we caused them a few problems when we got it down and played a bit.

“The second half was a bit tougher, they stepped it up a bit and you could see the quality they have.

“I thought we were a bit unfortunate with the second goal, a 1-0 defeat would maybe have looked better.

“We had been confident all week and believed we could have a real go at it. Half time probably came at the wrong time for us, we were full of adrenalin and driving on.

“We came into it well again late on in the second half, unfortunately that’s when they go the breakthrough.

“We knew they would step it up in the second half and unfortunately we just couldn’t handle it in the end up.”