CHAMPIONSHIP TWO: Fine display from Taylor's Ports

Despite the 1-0 defeat, Ports boss Gary Taylor was happy with the display.

"I said that we would take this game as a marker on how far we've come this season, and to be honest we played well.

"Their manager was very complimentary about us. He said that we were the best team we've played yet this season, so it's always nice to hear those things.

"As a team we were all disappointed. We played so well and we really should have taken a point, but we have to remember that we are inexperienced, we only have three or four players that have played at this level before."

Portstewart controlled most of the early play, with Brian Tosh going close with a header, which was cleared off the line on seven minutes.

Despite the efforts of the home side, it was Dergivew who took the lead after 17 minutes.

Hugh McAllister seemed to have the shot covered, but the ball took a cruel deflection and fell kindly for Campbell who made no mistake from close range.

Chris Donnell could have equalised for the Ports in the 41st minute, but he scuffed his shot.

The second half saw Portstewart playing some good football while Dergview looked good on the break.

"We were competitive and we had a lot of the ball, " said boss Taylor.

"They threw everything at us, but we coped quite well, and we have to take confidence from the display."

Portstewart have another tough test when they travel to Dundela this Saturday, and Taylor is hoping for a change in fortunes: "I don't ever remember winning up there whilst playing for Portstewart. They are good footballing side, so we will have to have our wits about us."

PORTSTEWART: McAllister, White, McFadden, Smith, Gaston, Ramsey, Friel, M Nicholl, Niell, Donnell, Tosh. Subs: R Nicholl, S Tosh, Fisher, McGarvey.

**Portstewart Football Club would like to thank the family of the late Derek Hamill, for sponsoring a game in his memory. Derek was a regular for years at Portstewart's home games, along with his dog 'Cookie', rarely missing a game, before his health deteriorated.