Newry sneak late victory as Portrush wilt

PORTRUSH Seconds suffered a narrow defeat at Newry on Saturday, but should have earned a share of the spoils.

There was little to choose between the two sides, but Portrush feel they got precious few favours from the umpires whose decisions, on occasions, caused raised eyebrows, according to the visiting players.

Portrush had a shaky start but managed to prevent Newry from getting a breakthrough early on. However, the pressure finally told on the Portrush team when Newry scored a scrappy goal from open play.

The visitors had a few chances in this period but couldn’t quite apply the finishing touches. Andy Dalzell, Chris Leeming and Craig Henry all created openings.

With about fifteen minutes gone in the second half, Portrush got the equaliser. A crossfield ball supplied by John McMullan into the ‘D’ was picked up by Joshua Hutchinson. His shot was partially saved by the ‘keeper, but Andy Dalzell snapped up the loose ball to find the back of the net.

This gave Portrush renewed confidence and they laid siege to the Newry goal, but couldn’t find a second goal and the sustained pressure took its toll on the young players as they tired visibly.

This allowed Newry to get the winner five minutes from time following a short corner.

PORTRUSH: T. Kilpatrick, J. McMullan, T. Cartmill, A. Douglas, C. Manson, B. McMullan, C. Henry, C. Hogg, G. Christie, A. Dalzell, C. Leeming. Subs – J. Hutchinson.