Northern Ireland round-up: Portadown nearly there

Portadown FC will take a one-point advantage into the final round of Irish League matches this weekend after being held to a scoreless draw by Cliftonville FC.

Close to title
The leaders will pip Glentoran FC to the title if they can beat tonight’s opponents at Solitude on Saturday, this time at Shamrock Park. Victory would bring Portadown their first title since 1986.

More goals scored
Glentoran are also at home in their final match, against Coleraine FC. Portadown are a point ahead and also a single goal better off, having scored more goals than Glentoran too.

McCann denied
The closest Portadown came to claiming victory tonight was when Peter McCann clipped a 25-metre free kick against the bar with 13 minutes remaining. However, Portadown may be grateful for the point after the Reds had the better of the second half, coming close through Larry McMahon, while Pat Wall forced a good save from veteran Mickey Keenan at the end of the first half.