Portadown–Donegal Celtic
5 - 2
A hat-trick from Welsh Wizard Matty Tipton and a first ever goal from Ross Redman capped a wonderful entertaining game at Shamrock Park this evening. The Ports took time to adjust to the tricky conditions underfoot as the frost took hold at Shamrock Park, but Matty Tipton set things alight with a double strike before half-time to put the Ports in the driving seat. His first was a delightful flick over Robinson from a wicked outswinging cross from Braniff, his second a volley from 10 yards after DC failed to clear a Braniff effort.
DC came out after the break to try and salvage something from the game, with Stephen McAlorum setting out their stall with some heavy challenges in the opening encounters of the second half. Ross Redman then scored a bizarre 3rd for the Ports when he waltzed past a couple of DC defenders before firing a swirving drive straight at keeper Robinson who spilled the slippery ball into the net, much to the delight of Redman who claimed his first ever goal for the Ports. The Ports looked to be coasting at 3-nil, but McAlorum and McCafferty got involved in some tit-for-tat clashes in the middle of the park which resulted in a melee which ref Arnold Hunter did well to diffuse. McCafferty was booked for retaliation and McAlorum soon followed into the book when he took revenge with a late challenge minutes later when play eventually resumed. The whole incident seemed to knock the Ports out of their stride and DC capitalised with 2 quick goals as the Ports midfield lost control of the game for the first time. Darren Murray and Paul McVeigh were the scorers in the 63rd and 65th minutes as DC got right back into the game. The Ports took time to find their composure and it was that man Tipton who settled the home fans nerves in the 77th minute with his hattrick after being put through on goal by Kevin Braniff, who’s contribution was outstanding throughout the match. Substitute Wes Boyle, who replaced Tipton, scored the 5th goal 11 minutes from time to finally kill the game off and send the freezing fans home happy.
