Wakehurst end year with some cheer at seaside

Wakehurst defender Gavin Gilmore attempts to clear his lines during Saturday's win at Portstewart, as team-mate Chris Rodgers looks on.

Manager Ian Gregg’s squad was reduced with the loss of both Paul Muir and George Young, who were serving one-match bans for an accumulation of yellow cards, and David Gage, who was unavailable, but he still had enough talent at his disposal to field a strong side.

Portstewart carried the early threat during the opening 15 minutes, but it was Wakehurst who snatched the lead with a fine solo goal from Conor Gregg, who picked up the ball 40 yards out on the right, skipped past Ryan McAllister, went round keeper Joel Maddison and picked his spot – a superb piece of individual play.

The home team was back on level terms 12 minutes later, a snap shot from full-back Johnny Gawne finding its way into the net past an unsighted Macauley Cairns.

A flowing 5-man move by Wakehurst 3 minutes from the interval almost brought a second goal, but Andy Laughlin’s well-hit shot cannoned off the upright.

Portstewart started the second half brightly and after striker Ian Todd had shot wide, the same player saw his back-heel deflection off Andy White’s driven cross brilliantly saved by Cairns.

A good break by Gavin Gilmore from deep in his own half took him past McAllister and his accurate cross was met by the head of Jason Paul at the near post to guide the ball past Maddison on 59 minutes.

Wakehurst were well on top but couldn’t find the elusive third goal and with 15 minutes remaining, Portstewart were awarded a penalty when Cairns was left one-on-one with Chris Hanson and impeded the winger inside the box. The referee had no option but to award a penalty and show the keeper a yellow card.

Portstewart captain James Peden made no mistake from the spot and it was all square.

Ryan Gregg was replaced by Connor Ross with 5 minutes left and his impact was immediate, setting up Conor Gregg on the edge of the 18-yard area and the striker hit a sweet shot into the top corner of the net past a motionless Maddison – a superb strike fitting to win any game!

Although Portstewart pushed forward in numbers in four minutes of stoppage time, the visitors’ defence held firm.

Wakehurst: M Cairns, G Gilmore, G Dickey, C Rogers, D Stevenson, M Crawford, A Laughlin, J Lemon, C Gregg, J Paul, R Gregg. Subs: M Maybin, C Ross, D Kirkwood, C Allen, D Parker.