Portrush progress ‘arrested’ by PSNI team

PORTRUSH had a very slow start and knew they could not afford to do this against a very strong PSNI side.

This was to become evident when PSNI took the lead with a tap in at the near post by McElhilley.

Even after this goal Portrush still gave up possession too easily and PSNI were able to control the game, however a lovely piece of skill from Lewis Greene levelled the match at 1-1 at half time.

After the break Portrush looked a lot sharper and were retaining the ball much better, however some sloppy marking and rash tackling gave PSNI their first of two vital short corners in the match.

Consequently PSNI went into the lead with the first vital short corner that was almost stopped by goalkeeper, Gordon McAllister, but Aaron Gill’s strongly struck shot narrowly crept through.

Portrush then showed their gritty determination with another equalising goal through James McCook to make it 2-2.

Portrush did not seem happy with the draw and came so close to going into the lead when Lewis Greene’s shot was just kept out by the PSNI keeper. Portrush were then caught on the counter attack and conceded another short corner which PSNI took the lead from with another nice strike by Aaron Gill, finishing the match at 2-3.

Portrush were very disappointed with losing at Home to PSNI but could take encouragement from the way they never gave up the game and came back twice to level the match.

There is still very good team spirit within the team and the belief that they can achieve something good this season. All players will be at training on Wednesday evening to look to learn from mistakes and to bounce back against Parkview next week.

Portrush Team: G. McAllister, R.Smith, N.McMaster, G.Kerr, A.McConaghie, P.Linton, A.Christie, A.Kerr(C), S.Horner, J.McCook, C.McKeeman, L.Greene, J.Dillon (Man of the Match: Aaron Gill).