Northern Ireland round-up: Five-star Portadown in charge

Champions Portadown FC moved two points clear at the top of the Northern Irish Premier Division as they eased to victory on Thursday, while Glentoran FC were held to a draw against Linfield FC.

Hamilton hat-trick
Portadown piled the pain and the pressure on their mid-Ulster rivals Glenavon FC with a 5-0 away victory at Mourneview Park. Having won 6-0 in the earlier derby at Shamrock Park, striker Gary Hamilton was a hat-trick hero for the visitors. Centre-back John Convery opened the scoring after 20 minutes and Hamilton doubled the Ports' advantage within five minutes. The game was over as a contest when Glenavon's Gerard McCargo scored an own goal in first half injury time and Portadown made sure of the points as Hamilton completed his hat-trick.

Mannus error
Glentoran were a touch fortunate to leave Windsor Park with a point from their 1-1 draw against Linfield. The Glens had an error from young Linfield goalkeeper Alan Mannus to thank for their goal after Davy Larmour had given the hosts the lead following a neat, headed pass by Justin McBride. However, just four minutes later Darren Armour's half-hit shot on the turn somehow squirmed through the grasp of Mannus and trickled over the line despite the goalkeeper's efforts to keep it out.

Coleraine march on
Coleraine FC leapfrogged Omagh Town FC into third spot on goal difference with a convincing 3-0 victory over their hosts at St Julian's Road. Midfield player Stephen Beatty put the Bannsiders ahead in the 12th minute and striker Jody Tolan doubled their advantage 15 minutes later. Barry Curran made sure of the victory over his former club when he added a third for Coleraine in the 82nd minute.

Strain on target
Lisburn Distillery FC continued their recent good form when they enjoyed a 2-1 home victory over bottom club Newry Town FC. Veteran defender Brian Strain headed the Whites into a 17th minute lead and they held onto their advantage until half-time. Scottish striker Gary McPhee then levelled for Newry two minutes into the second half but inside a minute Mark Holland had scored what proved to be the winner for Distillery.

No joy for Ards
Institute FC moved up the table with a 2-0 home victory over Ards FC. Cathal Deery opened the scoring midway through the first half after a mix-up between Ards keeper Stephen Robinson and John Bailie and Stephen Parkhouse ensured a home win at the Riverside with a second goal 15 minutes from the end. Elsewhere, Cliftonville FC had the better of the match at Seaview against their north Belfast rivals Crusaders FC but the Reds spurned a series of chances and had to settle for a point from a goalless draw.