Irish Premiership: Ballymena United 2-1 Portadown
- Published
Michael McLellan came back to haunt former club Portadown as his second-half introduction helped Ballymena United earn a stunning Premiership win.
The Ports dominated the first half and should have more to show than Darren Murray's 21st-minute goal.
But McLellan, making his debut after his release by the Ports, levelled on 52 after his half-time introduction.
McLellan then won a penalty on 87 after being hauled down by David Miskelly and Alan Teggart slotted the spot-kick.
It was an incredible turnaround after the Ports had totally bossed the opening 45 minutes.
The impressive Kevin Braniff hit the woodwork early on and the Ports went close on a couple of other occasions before they did move into the lead.
The goal came after Gary Twigg's initial shot had been brilliantly saved by Dwayne Nelson and after the Scottish striker's follow-up came back off the woodwork, Murray prodded in the rebound from close range.
As the Ports continued to dominate, Chris Casement, Johnny Black, Braniff, Murray and Neil McCafferty all had chances to extend their lead but somehow Ballymena held out until the break.
There was that nagging suspicion that Portadown might pay for their profligacy and so it proved as former Linfield youth McLellan levelled after a Teggart corner on 52 minutes.
Chris Ramsey and Braniff went close to restoring Portadown's lead as they fired over but the visitors were left stunned as Teggart netted the decisive penalty three minutes from time after Miskelly had hauled down man-with-a-mission McLellan.
There was no doubt about the penalty award as Teggart held to nerve to complete a remarkable comeback success for the Braidmen.
- Published1 September 2013
- Published30 August 2013
- Published30 August 2013