Portrush keep title hopes alive

They battled the elements to travel to Omagh for what would be a worthwhile journey. Portrush wanted a quick and urgent start to try and get over the cold conditions and they kept the ball well for the first 10 minutes. Five minutes later Portrush were awarded a penalty flick for deliberate feet on the goal line and Neil McMaster stepped up to execute the flick into the top right hand corner.

Portrush kept possession brilliantly and kept pilling the pressure on the Omagh defence and were awarded a short corner from which Aaron Kerr(C) scored. Portrush did not let up in their search for more goals and just a couple of minutes later James McCook increased his goal tally with another fine goal to make it 3-0.

Portrush were now in control and the young and ever improving Andy Christie scored Portrush’s fourth goal to cap off a fantastic first half performance. Just before half time a lapse of concentration in the Portrush defense resulted in an Omagh player being let in and he scored a fantastic reverse stick shot. During the second half Portrush had chances to extend their lead but they could not get the fifth goal.

The second half was littered with a couple of players going in the sin bin and injuries and the stop-start nature resulted in a cagey half. Portrush had quite a few players on form on Saturday with Ryan Smith in defence, Andy Christie in midfield and John Dillon up front all having very good games and only just missing out on the man of the match award.

Andy McConaghie was the man awarded man of the match due to his excellent performance and energy all day from left back. Portrush now have only two games left of the season and hope to get maximum points from both games. The club would also like to apologise for the Hockey Quiz night that was cancelled on Friday 22nd due to the weather but it will be rearranged for a later date.