FOOTBALL: Crues pay the penalty at Shamrock Park
A MISTAKE by Crusaders' Stephen McBride handed Portadown a passage into the Irish Cup semi-finals from the penalty spot as Kevin Braniff stepped up to settle a disjointed quarter-final tie at Shamrock Park.
Braniff struggled to make an impact on the match before the closing stages but the playmaker was on hand to accept the responsibility on 82 minutes after McBride's handball inside the box
The Crusaders defender jumped high and connected with his arm from a Ross Redman free-kick delivery to provide the games decisive moment.
It will prove a bitter pill to swallow for a Crues side which dominated possession during what was a disappointing tie overall.
However, for the Ports, the result will mark another last-four knockout challenge and keep alive hopes of marking a return to top-flight football with silverware.
With a semi-final spot at stake it was no surprise to see both teams attack from the first whistle
David Magowan was on hand to clear Owen Morrison's teasing free-kick delivery then Tim Mouncey's header lacked the power to trouble Chris Keenan following neat play between Redman and Gary McCutcheon.
Both Portadown sights of goal arrived either side of a measured pass by Ross Arthurs which Jordan Owens chased down, only to find David Miskelly alert to the danger.
An injury to Jordan Baker provided Richard Lecky with an introduction on nine minutes and the striker wasted little time in making his mark by flicking the ball into Mouncey's path but the low cross was cut out.
Arthurs was denied a spot on the scoresheet by the frame of the Portadown goal on 18 minutes following neat control, quick feet and a crisp drive from outside the area.
Arthurs then blasted over the bar soon after from McBride's deep delivery before Owens could only head high following Gareth McKeown's free-kick.
A head injury to Colin Coates resulted in a lengthy delay in play as the centre-back left the field on a stretcher following sustained on-field treatment.
On 40 minutes, only a brave block by former Crusaders defender Andy Hunter stopped Owens from slotting home inside the box after Miskelly's attempted punch from a David McMaster cross failed to clear the danger area.
Chris Morrow fired a snapshot at Miskelly on the turn after 50 minutes before Ryan McCann drilled in a drive from distance which failed to trouble the Portadown goalkeeper.
Lecky then had an effort blocked from Alan Teggart's downward header and, at the other end, Miskelly was on hand to gather a tame attempt by Owens.
Arthurs produced one moment of individual skill to dance around the Portadown backline on the hour mark and pick out the supporting Martin Donnelly. The winger smashed the ball against the crossbar before Redman managed to block Owens follow-up strike.
Crusaders substitute Aaron Black drilled a shot over the bar on the run after 79 minutes from Keenans upfield punt as the match edged ever closer to extra-time.
The game turned on 82 minutes with that foul on Teggart, Redman’s cross, McBride’s handball and Braniff’s composed spot-kick.
Crusaders’ response featured clever play around the area by Arthurs which ended with a shot from a tight angle that cleared the crossbar then Miskelly could only parry a powerful drive by McKeown.
McBride flashed a curling cross across the face of goal as Crusaders pressed forward in numbers to try and rescue the tie.
Lecky then rushed an opening on the counter-attack but Portadown managed to survive and seal that coveted last-four spot.
PORTADOWN: David Miskelly, Keith OHara, Ross Redman, Darren Kelly, Ryan McCluskey, Kevin Braniff, Tim Mouncey, Gary McCutcheon, Jordan Baker, Andy Hunter, Owen Morrison. Subs: Neil Armstrong, Richard Clarke (on for McCutcheon, 84 mins), David McCullough, Alan Teggart (on for Morrison, 51 mins), Richard Lecky (on for Baker, 9 mins).
CRUSADERS: Chris Keenan, Gareth McKeown, Stephen McBride, Ryan McCann, David Magowan, Colin Coates, David McMaster, Chris Morrow, Jordan Owens, Ross Arthurs, Martin Donnelly. Subs: Eamon Doherty, Michael Collins (on for Coates, 37 mins), Willie Faulkner, Aaron Black (on for Morrow, 67 mins), Aaron Hogg.
Referee: Alan Black (Antrim).
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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