Linfield produced a wonderful display of grit and determination in yesterday's UEFA Cup qualifying round first leg tie against Lokomotiv Tbilisi in Georgia.

Losing 1-0 would have been a fine result under normal circumstances but given that the squad was struck down by food poisoning it was a marvellous achievement. Such was the severity of the illness that goalkeeper Paul Mathers missed the game.

It could have been even better for David Jeffrey's side because the goal they conceded was down to some poor defending when Levani Kebadze was allowed to fire home from close range.

That came after 24 minutes and was one of the few scares Linfield had throughout the game and gives them a great chance of winning the tie at Windsor Park in two weeks' time.

Portadown, meanwhile, face a tough second leg trip after being beaten 3-0 by CSKA Sofia at Shamrock Park last night.