Ports loose out to derby rivals Tobermore

Portstewart bossed the first half and looked sharp on the bal and they had a number of efforts - Emmet Dysart, Lee Forgrave, Stuart Millar and Ryan Doherty tested McGraw.

Ryan Doherty should have had a penalty, but the referee waved play on. Lee Forgrave also had a number of good chances.

With about 15 minutes to go Tobermore brought on Ryan Marks and Ceolan Doherty and almost immediately the home side began to threaten the visitors goals.

Joel Madison pulled off a great save to deny Ryan Marks, but Portstewart were punished with two minutes left when poor defending let Ryan Devine through to grab the only goal of the tie.

The Ports boss said he was ‘gutted’ with the scoreline.

“Again we had all the play and couldn’t score.

“We created chance after chance, we are just unlucky,” he said.

Portstewart welcome Championship One side Knockbreda to Seaheaven tonight (Tuesday) in the League Cup.

“We will just use it as another pre season game,” said Taylor.

“We have signed David Healy from Institute, he needs games and so too does Chris Hanson, so we will mix things up a bit.

“We also have a home game on Saturday against PSNI. It doesn’t get any easier, I think we are just lacking in confidence.”