Northern Ireland round-up: Portadown narrow gap

Champions Portadown FC closed the gap on leaders Glentoran FC to just two points as they convincingly beat Cliftonville FC 3-0 tonight.

Dominant visitors
Cliftonville were unbeaten in their previous eight league matches but they were no match for a dominant visiting side, for whom captain Vinny Arkins scored twice.

Arkins opener
Arkins put Portadown in front in the 17th minute, scoring at the back post after midfield player Dean Fitzgerald had flicked on a long throw from right-back Stephen Douglas.

Clarke secures victory
Portadown midfield player Richard Clarke then made sure of the victory when he finished off a flowing move with 13 minutes remaining. Arkins scored his side's third to bring his tally for the season to 23 goals in the closing minutes of the match.

Unbeaten run
The victory extends Portadown's unbeaten run in the league to 13 matches, including two wins over leaders Glentoran, the only points dropped by the Glens so far this season.