WET, WET, WET: Portstewart game abandoned after 52 minutes

Portstewart’s tie with Banbridge Town was abandoned seven minutes into the second half at a soaking Seahaven on Saturday.

The home side were two goals in front thanks to Ryan Doherty and James Peden, but the Championship Two tie will now have to be replayed at a later date.

Ports assistant manager, Aaron Forgrave said he felt that the referee maybe could have played a little longer in the tie.

“It was a tough call for the officials to make.

“Although we felt we could’ve stuck it out another ten minutes or so so that the game wouldn’t have to be replayed,” he said.

“The ball wasn’t travelling very well in certain areas of the pitch, so I suppose the officials had the safety of the players to consider.”

Portstewart travel to Inver Park to play Pat McAllister’s Sport and Leisure this Saturday.

“They are a decent side,” admitted Forgrave.

“We drew with them on the last meeting, so we are expecting the same sort of game this time around.

“Pat has them playing very well.

“They play to their strengths, so we will prepare as well as we can, and hope that we can take the points this time.”

Portstewart have a number of injury concerns ahead of the tie.

Nigel Turner is out for a number of weeks, Johnny Stewart is also nursing an injury, and Stuart Millar will see a physio later this week.

“It’s a wait-and-see with Stuart and Johnny this week,” said Forgrave, “but if they are not fit then we will reshuffle things.

“We played some good football on Saturday, the boys have been playing well, we have just been unlucky in front of goal.

“The game against Portadown in the Cup let us see how far we have come.

“We held our own against a very good Premiership side, our fitness levels are good, and we have some good young talented players in our ranks, so things are looking good for us.”

SUPPORTERS NEWS:

A bus for the game against Sport and Leisure will leave the clubhouse at 12noon sharp.

The cost is £10 per person, for more information contact Alistair McFadyen.

Tickets are still available for the ‘Last Man Standing’ competition.

For more information contact Paul Cox. Anyone who has already signed up should not that choices to be sent by 9pm Friday night.

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