Thompson brace gives Dollingstown the points

points.

Before the game the visitors were kindly presented with a framed picture of Portstewart ground to recognise their promotion into Championship football for the first time in the clubs history.

Playing with the advantage of the strong wind behind them DFC failed to really open up the opposition as many of the passes were over hit due to the stormy conditions.

The first really incisive move by DFC didn’t materialise until the 19th minute when a free flowing move involving

Andy King, Neil Clydesdale and Ritchie Thompson resulted in Thompson’s effort being superbly turned round the post

by Joel Madison in the Portstewart goals.

Further efforts by striker Neil Clydesdale were all off target before Ritchie Thompson finally broke the deadlock right on the half time whistle. A long clearance by goalkeeper Gavin O’Neill, making his debut for the injured Kris Fletcher, found its way to Thompson who calmly rounded the keeper to put his side one nil up at the break.

As expected Portstewart came out robustly in the second half and Lee Forgrave almost equalised in the 47th minute with a delightful chip that was superbly tipped over the bar the Gavin O’Neill.

DFC kept probing away and on 53 minutes from a corner Ritchie Thompson put them 2-0 up from close range finish.

However Dollingstown switched off and a minute later centre half John Neill pulled a goal back for Portstewart when he headed in from a free kick on the left side of the pitch.

Lee Forgrave almost equalised when he volleyed over the bar from a long throw in. Portstewart then made a couple of substitutions with 20 minutes to go as they sought an equaliser but Dollingstown defended superbly under the magnificent performance of captain Aaron Moffett and held out for a valuable three points.

This week Dollingstown are at home at Planters Park to Coagh with a 2pm kick-off due to the darker evenings. All supporters are welcomed to help cheer on the boys.

Dollingstown: Gavin O‘Neill, Jake Redpath, Aaron Moffett, Kyle Robinson, Dwayne Kerr, Neil Clydesdale, Andy King, Ritchie Thompson, Marty Hughes, James wright, Jordan Gibson.

Subs: Andy Hamilton, Marty Hughes), Ashley Gregg. James Wright, Sammy Wright, Kris Fletcher, Michael Fegan.