Peden spot kick secures win for Portstewart over Queen’s

The first half was a fairly even affair with both sides cancelling each other out. The start of the second period followed the same pattern but, against the run of play, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 53rd minute when Paul McDonald was adjudged to have fouled Portstewart’s Robert Donnell in the box. Peden’s low drive beat Paul McCann to give the Ports the lead.

After this the students upped the tempo as they went all out for an equaliser. They made a string of chances but poor finishing and some excellent goalkeeping by Joel Madison kept them out. The closest they came was when left back Ryan Murray hit a ferocious drive from the left wing. Madison also made a great tip over save from Connor Mulholland’s header. Portstewart also missed a good opportunity, Connor McNamee was unlucky with his effort which just tipped over the bar.

With two league wins on the bounce, Taylor’s side go into Saturday’s derby tie with Glebe Rangers in confident mood: “We played very well on Saturday, both teams tried to play football. We beat Queen’s 5-0 at home at the start of the season, but they were a changed side from that. It was a good result for us to go there and get the points.”

The Ports boss picked out his defence for a special mention: “James Peden, John Neill, Luke Bradley, Ryan Campbell and Joel Madison were very solid,” said Gary.