Football: Boyle lances deadlock for battling Down

PHILIP MAJOR had no regrets after changing clubs from Portadown to Distillery this week, despite this football lesson.

"I'm not sure Portadown wanted me," he said after failing to agree a new contract. "I moved to Distillery for less money, but they were keen to have me here and I'm happy to stay.

"It was a tough lesson today. It will take us a while to adjust to the Premier League, but I'm convinced we'll stay up.

"Playing Portadown was a tough baptism, especially after 15 happy years at Shamrock Park. We played well to keep it scoreless at the interval, but once Portadown went ahead, it was all over."

Both managers agreed with that assessment. Distillery were well organised for the first 45 minutes, but once Wesley Boyle broke the deadlock on 45 minutes, the Whites simply went to pieces.

The first-half was something of a bore but Portadown should have broken the deadlock a minute from the break but Whites' keeper Philip Matthews beat out a great shot from Gary Hamilton.

The second-half was in stark contrast with that Boyle goal the catalyst. He brilliantly controlled a Kyle Neil cross from the left and thumped the ball low past Matthews.

Gary Hamilton hit a brilliant second on 62 minutes and then just before time an own goal from the hapless Brian Strain - formerly Portadown's captain - finished off the proceedings.

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