Larne 1 - 2 Portadown: 24
Jan 1998
to McMahon who tucked it just inside the
post. The home supporters' celebrations were cut short however, when
the visitors levelled within a minute. Woods floated a free in from the right which fell to Strain who headed powerfully home from six yards. With half an hour gone Arkins finally found a yard of space on the edge of the box but his well struck shot was deflected for a corner.
At the other end McQuillan again got the better of Byrne but this time his shot flew just over the bar. The second half got off to an explosive start when Portadown went ahead through a very dubious penalty after 49 minutes. McKinstry was adjudged to have fouled Arkins but it was clear that Arkins was the aggressor. It was no surprise that McKinstry protested against the decision, referee Snoddy didn't like what he heard and sent the Larne captain for an early bath. After the dust settled Arkins coolly hammered the ball into the net. Larne missed a glorious chance to level the scores on 57 minutes. Craig's pass found McMahon on the right side of the box, he rounded Tresson then with only Dalton to beat he tried to place the ball but failed to find the target.
Team: McConnell, Craig, O'Hagen,
Johnston, McKinstry, Bartholomew, Looney,
McMahon, McQuillan, Harrison, Mellon subs: Lowry, McDowell,
Caddell
