CHAMPIONSHIP 2: Peden and Gaston on target for seasiders

The game was the only fixture in the Coleraine area that survived the sub-zero conditions.

Portstewart took a two goal lead into the second half and despite the Belfast side pulling a goal back the hosts held on for three very valuable points.

"It was a great start to the year for us, "admitted boss Taylor.

"We were without a few key players for the game. Ciaran Ferry's wife has just had a baby and Stephen Tosh and Mervyn Nicholl were both out with the flu, so I ended up drafting in players at the very last minute. But, I was very happy with the result."

And Gary is hopeful that Owen Peden, who was forced to leave the field with a fractured collar bone will return soon. "Owen has been playing very well for us this season.

"Anything good that's happened on the pitch has involved him.

"We hope he'll only be out for a month, and we have a break now until the end of January, so it might work out okay."

Gary joked: "I've asked all the lads to put in a few pounds to buy Owen a designer sling.

"He loves his designer clothes, and knowing Owen - the sling will have to match his outfits!"

It was a day of highs and lows for the unfortunate Peden. He put Portstewart ahead after 21 minutes, and then had to leave the field after he fell awkwardly on his shoulder.

Gaston made it 2-0 in the 39th minute, and Taylor's men were cruising.

Christopher Donnell went close and Gaston had a header cleared off the line before the break.

However the students came back into the game in the second half and reduced the deficit in the 74th minute through Laverty.

After this Queen's put the pressure on. McAllister pulled off several good saves to keep his side in front.

The win promotes the Seasiders to fifth in the table.

PORTSTEWART: McAllister, White, Nicholl, Taylor, Gaston, Ramsey, Peden, Vauls, Neill, Friel, Todd. Subs: Donnell, Fisher, Duggan, McGarvey.

Annagh United are Portstewart's next opponents on Saturday, January 23.

Speaking about long term injuries, Taylor told Times Sport that Ryan McAllister is due to start physio sessions this week, while Marty Smyth is hoping to be back by the start of February.

Taylor also revealed that on loan striker Cahir Friel will remain at Portstewart until the end of the season.

The 16-year-old is on loan from Limavady and has impressed during his short time with the Seasiders.