Kris Lowe scored the only goal in Dungannon Swifts' 1-0 win over Portadown at Shamrock Park on 24 March 2024. The match, the Swifts' first under new manager Rodney McAree, ended with a lone 1-0 victory.
Early pressure and the decisive moment
From the kickoff, Dungannon pushed forward, but a low effort from Sean McAllister was saved by Aaron McCarey. In the 14th minute, after a close pass to McCarey, an indirect free-kick was awarded. Jamie Glackin passed to McAllister, who fired the ball toward goal; McCarey could only parry it into the path of Lowe, who finished high from five yards.
Portadown's fightback
Portadown grew into the game and almost equalised four minutes before half-time when Baris Altintop smashed the ball off the right-hand upright from an acute angle, but the score remained 1-0 to the visitors.
Second-half drama
The first chance of the second half fell to James Teelan, who fired a 20-yard effort that whistled over the bar. In the 66th minute, Andrew Mitchell rounded McCarey, but Rhys Breen recovered and swiped the ball away for a corner.
A tense finish
With five minutes remaining, tempers flared and five bookings were issued in two minutes, but the match ended without a fairytale finish for Portadown.
Managerial comments
"We showed great fight and determination to keep a clean sheet and leave with three points," said Swifts manager Rodney McAree. "The big thing for me is getting points on the board because it took us six games last year."
Portadown boss David Jeffrey said, "Our first two games showed exactly where we are. It's learning, but it is also tough learning. Today, Dungannon were sharper on one occasion and they deserved the three points."
