Seniors moving on up thanks to late goals in Edenvilla Park win

Zach McClelland’s quickfire goal double proved key to the success at home to South Antrim.

The Edenvilla Park meeting marked a clash between last season’s Senior One champions and the title runners-up Portadown.

However, Portadown finished the top-flight date with bragging points and senior points.

Portadown dominated early on but struggled to turn this pressure into an end product.

The opening goal was scored when Gareth Titler’s free hit was collected by Matthew Winter, who moved past a rival before delivering a pass which McClelland converted from a central position.

A second goal arrived within moments thanks to Adam Stevenson’s surging run from right-back and a drilled pass picked up by McClelland and steered home from a tight angle.

Portadown’s tempo dropped and South Antrim took advantage to close the gap off a short corner.

South Antrim left it level entering the closing stages but Portadown regrouped to seal success.

Mackenzie Bennett’s superb reverse-stick pass was deflected home under pressure by a determined Robbie Scott to reclaim control.

Winter then steered in the final goal from the penalty spot.

Portadown men’s firsts v Raphoe (home, start 1 o’clock): J.Knipe, G.Titler, S.Bell, J.Brown, G.Morrison, G.Croft, Z.McClelland, S.Kirkland, G.Edgar, M.Winter, R.Scott, A.Stevenson, S.Johnston, N.Gilmore, M.Bennett.

Seconds v South Antrim (home, details to be confirmed); Thirds v Ballymena (away, 2.30 start).

LADIES

Portadown ladies’ firsts lost the weekend derby date in Lurgan by 2-0. The next Premier League test will arrive tomorrow (Saturday) at home to Lisnagarvey from 2.30.