Portstewart draw with Dungannon Swifts in first pre season tie

Portstewart entertained premiership side Dungannon Swifts at Seahaven in what a was a testing run out for Gary Taylor's side on Saturday.

Taylor took the opportunity to throw in new signings Adrian Thompson, Sean Hennighan, Karl Steele, Kyle McGonigle, Nigel Turner and Robert Donnell for the tie against Rodney McAree’s side.

“It was a good run out for us,” Taylor told Times Sport.

“We have a handful of new players in there, so it’s all about getting them in and getting them settled.

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“Dungannon are a big physical side and it was a good test for the younger boys like Paddy Gault and Kyle McGonigle to play against a Premiership team.

Taylor has also added former Coagh player Eoghan Quigg to his line up, however he was not available for Saturday’s tie.

“Eoghan will be available for Saturday’s friendly against Tobermore, he’s a good young player and we are delighted he has decided to come on board.”

Taylor’s men will take on Tobermore United this Saturday in another pre season tie, the game at Portstewart has a 2.30 kick off.

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“I was very pleased with the way we played when we had posession on Saturday,” admitted Taylor.

“At the start we were really just chasing the ball, but we settled down and we scored first through Thompson.

“They are a very good side, strong and physical and they have some very talented players in their ranks.”

Dungannon pulled a goal back before the break, and they took the lead early in the second half, but Nigel Turner came off the bench to grab a well deserved equaliser for the Seahawks.

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“We used the ball very well. I hope that Saturday’s game with Tobermore will give us a chance to push ourselves further,” told Taylor.

“Tobermore would be a better match for us, so it will be good to get another 90 minutes under our belts.”

Taylor added that Swifts boss McAree was impressed by the set up at Portstewart: “Rodney was very impressed with Portstewart and the way that the boys played. It is always good to hear praise from another manager,” told Taylor.

Portstewart FC have the following pre season games lined up at their Seahaven ground.

Saturday, July 16 - Tobermore (2.30)

Friday July 22 - Dergview (7.30)

Friday, July 29 - Coleraine (7.30)

Saturday, August 6 - Drumaness Mill (2.30)

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