Portrush held by PSNI

Portrush Seconds 2 PSNI 2

PORTRUSH Seconds hockey club travelled to Stormont Pavilion on Saturday to take on PSNI Seconds in the league.

The visitors fielded a stronger than normal side and this was evident in the first half when they dominated play for long periods, pinning PSNI in their own half.

After ten minutes Portrush were awarded a short corner. Peter McMullan received the ball from Ricky McKinnon and his shot was partially blocked and when the ball fell to Aaron Douglas, he fired home from close range.

It was no surprise when Portrush went further ahead after half an hour. There was fine interplay before the ball came to Sean McMullan who cleverly flicked his shot over the ‘keeper’s head.

John McMullan was unfortunate to give away a short corner which could have reduced the leeway, but he made amends by racing out to block the resultant shot.

PSNI had a man sent off and Portrush lost Ricky McKinnon at half time when the stalwart, who had an excellent first half, had to umpire. Ricky’s absence wasn’t entirely unexpected as he was nursing a hamstring injury.

The second half saw a huge transformation in the game. From being the inferior side, PSNI suddenly found their form, but it took a defensive error to give the home side their goal through Rowan Moore within a couple of minutes of the restart.

The second goal came five minutes later which left Portrush stunned but still very much in the game.

However, despite a strong performance by Portrush afterwards they had to settle for a draw and had Philip Linton to thank for a marvellous goal-line clearance which denied PSNI full points.

PORTRUSH: S. Adams, R. McKinnon, T. Cartmill, P. McMullan, J. McMullan, J. McClarey, A. Douglas, A. Kerr, P. Linton, A. Christie, S. McMullan. Subs - I. Jinks, C. Leeming, J. Hutchinson.

Man of the match - Tom Cartmill.

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