Release Date: Feb 09, 2013

PORTADOWN were pushed all the way by Championship opponents Ards before finally securing their place in the quarter-finals.

The Ports might have stormed into the lead after just 20 seconds only for Ards 'keeper Graham McKibbin to produce a stunning stop to deny Kevin Braniff.

Ards defender Neill Dougan then almost put the goal into his own net whilst attempting a clearance before McKibbin was called into action again to deny Tim Mouncey.

But it wasn't all one way traffic, though, as Matty Burrows and then Craig McMillen saw efforts saved at the other end.

Braniff came close again later in the first half but, once more, McKibbin did well to deny both him and Ross Redman with the follow-up.

The Belfast Telegraph Championship leaders might have twice broken the deadlock after the break when McMillen went close following a surging run while Paul McDowell had a go from the edge of the box.

Braniff remained a constant danger for Portadown, almost opening the scoring with a curling free-kick which drifted wide.

However, the Ports did finally find a way through with ten minutes remaining when Chris Casement finished with a shot into the bottom corner following a one-two with Gary Twigg.

Ards might have earned a replay in the closing moments, first from an 88th minute James Cully free-kick and then a stoppage time McMillan effort.

Match statistics