Northern Ireland round-up: Glentoran up the pressure
Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Article summary
Glentoran FC closed the gap on leaders Portadown FC with a 4-0 victory at Cliftonville FC.
Article body
Glentoran FC moved to within two points of leaders Portadown FC and a UEFA Champions League qualification spot in the Irish league after a convincing 4-0 win at Cliftonville FC on Tuesday.
In control
The visitors were in control throughout but had to wait until the 40th minute before taking the lead through Chris Walker. Glentoran added three more after the break with Pete Batey, Walker, from the penalty spot, and Michael Halliday getting on the scoresheet.
Thrilling game
Ards FC who are bottom of the table registered just their fifth win of the season as two late goals gave them a 4-2 victory over Newry Town FC. In a thrilling first half, the hosts surged into a 2-0 lead through Donal O'Brien and David Rainey before Graeme Arthur and Paul Cleary levelled the scores shortly before the interval.
Two late goals
With the game heading towards a draw, Paul Millar struck in the 89th minute to give Ards a 3-2 lead. As Newry poured forward in search of an equaliser, Hugh Dickson struck on the counter-attack to guarantee the hosts all three points.
