Play-off ‘only half-time’ as Annagh promotion bid still alive against Portadown

Annagh will make the short journey from the BMG Arena to Shamrock Park tomorrow night aware only a slender one-goal deficit separates the host side battling to beat the drop and McGurgan’s in-form Championship visitors.

The midweek first-leg meeting provided the packed Tandragee Road venue with a thrilling 3-2 tussle as Portadown held the lead, let it slip and turned the tables with a final flourish.

Now both clubs will line out for a final fixture of the season featuring highs and lows aware a place in the Premiership is on offer at the end of 90 minutes.

“I was just delighted we competed for the majority of the game,” said McGurgan on Tuesday after watching goals by Lee Upton and Stephen Murray give Annagh hope of a dream upset with a 2-1 lead before the Ports’ fightback. “In the first half we had chances to kick on and we didn’t, then obviously Portadown regrouped at half-time.

“To be fair, they came out second half and got a reaction so we’re 3-2 down now going into Friday but still we’re still well in it.

“I’m a wee bit disappointed but, looking back, probably a draw would’ve been fair.

“It was a game of two halves - I thought we were super in the first half then Portadown came strong and their subs made a big difference.

“But we’re only one goal behind - so if we get one on Friday then it’s game on.

“I was expecting a second-half reaction from Portadown as they probably realised they were in a tough game.

Then the manager’s got them in at half-time and Paul Doolin has probably given them a bit of the hairdryer treatment.

“Our response to conceding early was massive - going 1-0 down could’ve been curtains but we bounced back and from 2-1 we could have scored another few.

“So we’ll stay positive now for what’s a big