Killymoon Rangers were able to field a strong side for new manager Kyle Smith's first game in charge but it was a case of what might have been against their Portadown hosts. Despite creating the majority of clear cut openings Rangers' failings in front of goal proved costly as they went down to two second half goals.
The first half was a largely scrappy affair with both sides struggling to cope with the strong wind and a bobbly pitch. Creative football was at a premium with both sides canceling each other out in a midfield battle of attrition. Killymoon carved out the first opening when Johnny Scott swiveled in the box but sent his effort just the wrong side of the post. This seemed to set the tone for Killymoon's shooting as time and again they failed to trouble the keeper with meaningful attempts at goal.
The war of attrition continued in the second period and at times threatened to boil over with the home sides' physical style going unpunished by the referee. Player manager, Smith, was a victim of one late challenge and he had to leave the pitch with a nasty knee injury. However, Killymoon still created the better chances with Scott and Stevie Purvis guilty of squandering excellent close range opportunities. Midway through the half Rangers were made to pay for their profligacy when a lapse of concentration in defence allowed an attacker the freedom of Killymoon's right side and he finished well from just inside the penalty box. Killymoon responded well and again were the dominant force without being able to put away their chances. A second goal for the visitors in the dying minutes sealed Killymoon's fate when they should have at least gone home with a point.
Team- S McKernan, K Smith, B Smith, A Ferson, J Devlin, F Gomez, R Glasgow, M McCormack, S Purvis, J Scott, M Kaplan. Subs- M Ramsey, A Johnston, J Hall.