Write a commentPortadown 1’s 4-5 Newry 1’s
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Newry travelled to Portadown for their latest Sussex Cup match with a depleted squad, missing four first team regulars. The game started with good pace but was rather scrappy, however Portadown had the best of the opening exchanges scoring early on from a short corner. Newry managed to get back on level terms through a short corner of their own with David England slotting home. The home side then stepped it up and got two quick fire goals to take a commanding lead. Newry tried to get back into the game but they could not turn possession into chances.
In the second half Newry pushed higher to try and get an early goal, however this was leaving gaps at the back and Portadown took advantage to get their forth.
With 20 minutes remaining it looked like the game was over, however Newry had other ideas. Their fight back began with Josh Porter getting Newry’s second, Porters third in two games. Newry’s tails were now up and Keith McWilliams was next on the score sheet with a reverse stick shot. Only three minutes left and Newry were still pushing for it, Fletcher was quicker to react in the box and drew the teams level with a smart finish. In the last attack of the game the visitors pushed for one last opportunity forcing a short corner. The final whistle blew and Newry pulled everyone forward for the corner. The initial shot from England was saved but Fletcher again reacted quickest and some how at full stretch reached behind to swipe the ball towards the net beating the keeper at the near post. An unbelievable fight back from Newry coming from 4-1 down with just twenty minutes remaining in the game.
Team: McGivern, A. Baird, S. Megaw, D. England, C. Henning, M. Russell, N. McKnight, N. Davenport, K. Fletcher, K. McWilliams, J. Porter, J. Greer
