Ballinamallard 1-2 Portadown

"Daylight robbery" is how Ports boss Matthew Tipton described his sides win at Ferney Park today. Having battled all the way, and fully deserving of a point if not more, the Mallards were dealt the cruelest of blows with Kevin Branniff striking a 95th minute winner.

Ryan Campbell was the first to go closest, hitting the post after 5 minutes, but 2 minutes later Portadown took the lead in the game when Jamie Douglas nipped in to capitalise after the Mallards failed to clear a cross.

The post came to the reds rescue again with Chris Kelly crashing a shot off the left upright before Ben McCann spurned a great opportunity before half time when his header landed ontop of the goal net.

Salley and Murray both went close after the break for the Ports before Campbell equalised on 55 minutes after showing neat feet in the penalty area.

Campbell went onto hit the woodwork for a third time in the match before the home side were dealt a blow with Matty Smyth retiring with injury; credit must go to the Mallards rearguard however who put in a splendid performance thereafter.

Both sides went looking for a winner and in the 96th minute the away side were granted a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Braniff, who had little effect on the game all day, stepped up and curled a sensational free kick over the wall and past Connolly for the winner; unfortunately worthy of winning any game it must be said.

The Mallards can take immense pride and positives from the game however and now turn our attention to Ballyclare this Friday night away from home.