Northern Ireland round-up: Glentoran hit the heights

Glentoran FC took top spot in Northern Ireland on Saturday as all the title competitors won.

Glentoran hit five
Glentoran's glut of goals took them to the top of the table as they crushed struggling Glenavon 5-1. Defender Gary Smyth opened the scoring against his former club with a 25th minute free kick and another former Mourneview man added a second seven minutes before the break.

Late strikes send Glentoran top
Derek McGrath offered the visitors some hope when he bundled the ball in 20 minutes into the second half but Glentoran responded well. Darren Armour's 74th-minute header restored the hosts' two-goal advantage and two more goals from Tim McCann (77) and Mark Glendinning (82) sent Glentoran top on goal-difference.

Portadown come from behind
Portadown FC lost the leadership but more importantly won their game 3-1 at home to Crusaders FC after going behind. The visitors went in front from the penalty spot midway through the first half through veteran striker Stephen Baxter.

Arkins strikes again
However, Philip Major popped up to equalise a minute before half-time following a scramble after a corner. Portadown's star striker Vinny Arkins earned his side the points in the second half, heading in from close range in the 55th minute then making sure of victory with a 77th minute shot.

Coleraine come through
Coleraine FC twice came from behind to record their 3-2 victory over Cliftonville at Solitude while Linfield FC kept on the tails of the leaders with a 2-0 victory at Newry Town FC. Finally, Omagh Town FC made the most of home advantage against bottom club Ards FC with a 2-0 victory at Saint Julian's Road.