Sheppard on target for Glebe Old Boys

Portrush hosted Glebe at a rain-sodden Ruby Avenue in what turned out to be an uncharacteristically one-sided score-line between these two perennial rivals. This was mainly down to the fact that the hosts were only able to field ten men and Glebe took advantage particularly towards the end as Portrush began to tire. For the Glebe, one change saw Les Nicholl come in to replace Paul Holmes, missing his first game of the season after a career best 8 games in succession.

The visitors started brightly with Sheppard hauled back when breaking through in the first minute but Nicholl blasted over from the resultant free-kick. Stephen Elder put Glebe in front with a header after 5 minutes and a fine passing move saw Andy Sheppard make it two just after the half hour. Nicholl was denied by a fine save from the impressive McCullough as Glebe sought to make the game safe but, despite the Ballymoney side having the majority of possession, they were unable to add to their tally and only a fine stop from Reilly prevented the Port from pulling one back just on half-time.

Portrush came out for the second half and Daryl Wills capped a fine move with a fierce drive past Reilly. This signalled a bout of pressure from the hosts but Glebe saw it through and Sheppard notched his second on 67 minutes. Nicholl then made a great goal-saving clearance to preserve his side’s 2 goal cushion as the Ports pressed. Ally Newton made a welcome return to the fold after his recent histrionics and made a noticeable difference with some crisp passing which further stretched the Portrush back-line. As the heavy pitch began to take its toll Glebe scored three in as many minutes with man of the match Sheppard bagging another two and action man McKee scoring yet again.

Peter Boyd, on for hamstring victim Colin McFetridge, completed the scoring with his first goal of the season to give the Glebe a valuable three points.