On Monday, Stormont was the venue for the Senior Shield, played between Portadown College and Rainey Endowed School.

In a goalless 1st half Rainey applied all the pressure. They defended high up the pitch forcing Portadown back and intercepting passes when Portadown tried to move out of defence. Portadown attacks were rare such was Rainey’s midfield dominance. But despite all the territory and possession Rainey couldn’t turn any of their opportunities into goals. A resolute Portadown defence held firm.

Finally, Rainey broke the deadlock, from a penalty corner, with an Amy Leach strike after 33 minutes. If it was expected that Rainey would kick on from this, then that was mistaken. Instead Portadown dug in and began stringing passes together, moving the Rainey defence around.