25 Apr 2008 - Ports U11's Close In On League Leaders
U11 Lisburn Junior Invitational League
Portadown FC Youth U11's moved to within two points of long time league leaders Hillsborough after gaining full points from their two midweek matches against Sunnyside and Banbridge.
Portadown FC Youth 1 - 0 Sunnyside
Brett McKinney was the match winner as Portadown completed a league double over local rivals Sunnyside. The game was a tight affair throughout the first half with few chances at either end. Eoghan McCawl was unlucky to see his effort ruled out for a foul but no doubt the highlight of the half was McKinney's sweetly struck volley to give the Ports a welcome half time lead.
The second half was much more open as Portadown sought the comfort of a second goal. Peter Campbell came close twice and Scott Rae hit a post, while in between keeper Ryan Purvis pulled off a fine save to preserve the lead. The second goal wouldn't come and credit must go to the Portadown defence who held out for victory while Sunnyside poured forward in the last minutes in search of the equaliser that would ruin Portadown's title hopes.
Team: Ryan Purvis, Nathan Thompson, Ryan Wells, Mark Whitten, Jordan Lyttle, Luke Adams, Stephen Duke, Eoghan McCawl, Brett McKinney, Peter Campbell, Scott Rae. Subs: Jake Richardson, Nathan Woolsey
Portadown FC Youth 4 - 0 Banbridge Town
The Port's second midweek win ensured that the race for the league title would go all the way to the final weekend. An early goal from leading scorer Scott Rae settled any nerves. Rae finishing off after a good run from Peter Campbell. The second goal was picture book stuff that even had the Banbridge line applauding, Nathan Woolsey and Brett McKinney exchanged passes wide on the right before McKinney's pin point cross was met flush on the forehead of Scott Rae who headed home from 10 yards out. McKinney was in fine form and to prove the point he got the third goal with a high dipping volley from the angle of the 18 yard box.
The second half saw Scott Rae complete his hat trick, yet another to add to his collection, Rae converting first time after more good work from McKinney on the right. It finished 4 - 0 and the team can be proud of the level of performance considering it was their 3rd match in 5 days.
Team: Ryan Purvis, Nathan Thompson, Ryan Wells, Luke Adams, Jordan Lyttle, Stephen Duke, Nathan Woolsey, Eoghan McCawl, Peter Campbell, Brett McKinney, Scott Rae. Subs: Mark Whitten, Jake Richardson
The teams fantastic late run has put them within striking distance of long time league favourites Hillsborough who they now face on Saturday for what is virtually the league decider. Hillsborough at one stage 15 points ahead, now only 2, must have been hoping that by this stage Portadown would have slipped up, but these boys are battlers and never give up. Now they will put in one more massive push and hope to clinch what would the king of all comebacks to win the league.
Please come along on Saturday to Barbour Playing Fields in Lisburn at 11.15, the boys do appreciate your support on the line. Let's make sure they have a good 12th man backing their corner.
Report by Brian Lyttle