Ronnie McFall was a happy man on Saturday.
The Portadown boss watched on in delight as his side shrugged of their recent poor form to book their spot in the semi-finals of the Irish Cup seeing off a disappointing Coleraine at The Showgrounds with a professional display.
And the cherry on top of the icing for McFall was being paired with Glentoran in the last four of the competition.
“ If we had had a choice of who we played we would have picked Glentoran,” said McFall.
“ It’s a good draw for us. We won’t hold any fears in playing Glentoran and they won’t relish playing us that’s for sure.”
The Portadown boss was without a posse of key players for Saturday’s encounter at the Ballycastle Road.
But he is hoping the emphatic win and the return of the likes of Gary Twigg will help them finish the season in style.
“It was a very important match for us,” he said. “Our league form has been up and down all season so it is important that we get a run in the Irish Cup.
“We’re into the semi final now which is very pleasing. Hopefully we’ll have several key players back for that game to help fire us to a big finish.”
The Ports didn’t miss ace marksman Twigg on Saturday as talismanic forward Kevin Braniff showed his class with a superb brace.
“Kevin is quality,” enthused McFall. “His two goals showed that, he has fantastic ability.
“They were two great finishes. He was excellent today.”
The importance of Saturday’s game certainly wasn’t lost on Braniff, who stepped up to take the win and the plaudits.
“It was a massive game for us,” said the front man.
“The Cup is the only thing we’ve left to play for as such, so we knew we had to put on a good performance today and more importantly win the game.
“It was a scrappy game. The pitch didn’t play into anyone’s hands today. But we had a job to do and we did it today.
“It has been a frustrating season for us and we haven’t done as well as we should have. But if we can finish the season winning the Irish Cup it would be fantastic finish for us.”
For Coleraine though the dream of reaching another cup final is over.
But more disappointing for boss Oran Kearney was that his side went out without a whimper.
“I had hoped this would be the start of a big month for us,” said Kearney.
“Hoping is one thing, but you have to produce it out on the pitch.
“After a match like that you have to hold your hands up, Portadown were the better team.”
Things finally sprung into life with 15 minutes gone as David Scullion floated a cross into the box, which Curtis Allen just failed to connect with at the back post. Ruairi Harkin’s follow up was deflected wise for a corner.
A minute later at the other end Michael Doherty produced a great save to palm away Darren Murray’s inswinging cross, which looked destined for the far corner.
The Ports edged in front 10 minutes later as the Bannsiders failed the clear their lines properly. Murray picked up the loose ball before teeing up Kevin Braniff who dispatched a low shot into the far corner.
A challenge by Aaron Canning on 67 minutes led to the visitors extending their advantage. The full back clipped Braniff in the box and ref Raymond Crangle had no hesitation in awarding the penalty, which Darren Murray slotted home.
The Ports wrapped the game up with four minutes to go as Braniff scored again. Chris Casement led the charge out of defence surging past a couple of Coleraine players before teeing up the striker, who slotted past Doherty to seal the win.
Coleraine: Doherty, Watt (McVey 62), McIlmoyle (Owens 21), Beverland, Canning, Hegarty, Lowry, Harkin, Scullion (Jennings 73), Allen, Tomelty. Subs: Boyce, Bradley.
Portadown: Miskelly, Mackle, Redman, O’Hara (McCafferty 46), Ramsey, Gartland, Casement, McNeill, Murray, Braniff, Mouncey. Subs: McArdle, Burns, Lecky, Patton.
Referee: Raymond Crangle.
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