Welders too strong for Ports in friendly

Taylor’s side entertained H&W Welders in what was their first pre-season fixture of the summer.

The Belfast outfit, who play in the league above the Ports, in Championship One, won the tie 5-2.

New signing Matthew Hynds, who is a student at Coleraine University, made his first start for the Seahawks in what was a tough test, as the visitors already had five friendlies under their belts.

“I think the game took a lot of our players by surprise,” said the Portstewart boss.

“It was a good game to start with, and it showed that we are not match fit, but it gives us a lot to work on.

“They are good side with lots of experience, they have David Rainey in their ranks, and I have no doubt that they will be up there this season.”

Portstewart welcome Mid Ulster league side Bourneview Mill this Saturday.

The game has a 2.30 kick off.

“I know very little about them, “ admitted Taylor, “but it will be good to get another game under our belts.

“If we can get the fitness levels up, we will then start thinking about our shape.

“We had no shape on Saturday, they boys were chasing everything, and playing against a team of their quality shows up every little error, but it’s good to get a blow out.

“The Welders are a good footballing side. They kept their shape and passed the ball about really well - that’s how we would like to play, but it will come once we get a few more games under us.”

Portstewart are hoping to add to their squad in the coming weeks.

Ryan Wharton, a former TNS player has moved to the area and has been training with Portstewart. And, Taylor is also hoping to snap up another university student who played at Warrenpoint last season.

“We have a small squad, so I am hopeful of adding a few players in the coming weeks.

“We had James Peden and David McClements missing on Saturday and that showed, we were weakened, so if we could add a few players to strengthen things we would be happy.”

Portstewart have been handed a home fixture to kick off their league campaign on August 8 against Wakehurst, before that they have pre season fixtures against Newtowne, this game will be played at Rugby Avenue, and they will entertain Oran Kearney’s Coleraine on Friday July 31, in what will be a memorial game for former Portstewart and Coleraine coach Wesley Gregg.