Veteran goalkeeper inspires Ports in Champions League draw

Portadown have a fighting chance of reaching the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League following their scoreless draw at Shamrock Park on Wednesday evening.

The Ports held Belarus side Belshina Bodruisk to a 0-0 score, thanks in part to veteran goalkeeper Mickey Keenan who was in outstanding form.

While Portadown acquitted themselves well in the first half it was goalkeeper Keenan, the oldest player to have played in the Champions League at 46-years-of-age, who kept the Reds in the game with a string on stunning saves.

However, the Mid-Ulster side gave as good as they got with Richard Clarke and captain Vinny Arkins both going close during the opening 45 minutes.

The visitors started off in a more lively fashion in the second half, but striker Strypeikis missed a great chance by hitting the side-netting after being put clear.

However, the biggest cheer of the night from the 750-strong crowd which was restricted due to UEFA seating constraints, was for Keenan when he brought off a dramatic save from a Edouard Boltrushevich free kick in the 75th minute.

Portadown now travel to Belarus next week with plenty of encouragement from their opening leg display due in part to the heroics of keeper Keenan.

(MB)