Northern Ireland round-up: Glentoran beat leaders

Level pegging at the top 
Pete Batey scored the only goal 13 minutes from time at The Oval to revive home hopes of a first championship in three years. Both sides have 68 points and a goal difference of plus 38. Crucially, however, Portadown have three games left to Glentoran's two.

Linfield frustration 
Meanwhile, Linfield FC stayed in third place despite a home stalemate with Crusaders FC. The Irish Cup finalists struggled against their lowly visitors and were fortunate when Andrew Dickson missed an easy chance late in the game.

Coleraine lift 
This allowed Coleraine FC to make up for the disappointment of cup semi-final defeat by Portadown and join the Belfast club on 59 points. Coleraine won 4-1 at bottom club Ards FC with goals from Ian McCoosh, Jody Tolan, Michael McHugh and Rory Hamill.

Clash of heads 
Elsewhere, Omagh Town kept in touch with Coleraine after a 2-0 success over Glenavon FC. The hosts had Michael Kelly sent off for headbutting Glenavon captain Gerard McMahon, but were not flattered by Austin Friel's opener and Sean Collins's late own goal.

Newry on the rise
Finally, Newry Town FC climbed into seventh position after edging past Cliftonville FC at The Showgrounds. Robert Casey's disputed penalty was the difference between the sides.