Ports struggle against Knockbreda

Boss McFall won't have been impressed with his team

Portadown 2-0 Knockbreda Parish

Portadown were none too impressive in claiming a place in last eight of the Nationwide Irish Cup by beating minnows Knockbreda Parish.

Knockbreda produced a plucky display against the off-colour Ports.

It took the league champions 38 minutes to break down the amateur league side.

However, they then hit two goals in a minute to effectively settle the match.

Dean Fitzgerald hit the opener after he won the ball on the penalty box and fired home via a deflection.

A minute later, Kyle Neill's shot hit a post and then trickled over the line.

To their credit, Knockbreda kept battling in the second half.

Goalkeeper James Thompson made two great saves to deny Gary Hamilton in the 57th and 72nd minutes.

In between Hamilton's chances, Knockbreda's Richard Evans was inches wide with a decent effort.

Knockbreda did have the ball in the Portadown net in the closing minutes but the goal was disallowed for a foul on a home defender.