 Portadown striker Vinny Arkins was denied by the post |
Portadown suffered their first Setanta Cup defeat at the hands of Eircom Premier Division champions Shelbourne at Shamrock Park on Monday night. Jason Byrne headed in from Wes Hoolahan's fourth minute cross to claim the points for the Dubliners.
Portadown defender Cullen Feeney was sent-off on 53 minutes for a trip on the goal-bound Byrne.
Bobby Ryan struck the crossbar for the Shels five minutes later before Ports striker Vinny Arkins hit the post.
Portadown responded well to the early setback but Darren Kelly missed the target with two good openings.
Arkins looked dangerous throughout and flashed his 48th minute shot across the face of goal and just wide.
Feeney's dismissal signalled the start of Shelbourne's dominance and Ryan smashed a powerful 20-yard shot off the crossbar on 58 minutes.
Arkins showed the Ports were still a threat when his deft lob rebounded off the woodwork after 65 minutes.
Shelbourne squandered a host of late chances to seal their first win of the competition.
The Ports slip to bottom in the group while the Shels go level with leaders Cork on four points but trail City on goal difference.
MMIX
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