Northern Ireland round-up: Glentoran gain
Wednesday, January 1, 2003
Article summary
Glentoran FC took advantage of a slip by Portadown FC to join the champions at the top of the table.
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Smith strikes
Andy Smith struck a hat-trick in Glentoran's 6-1 defeat of Institute FC at The Oval on Tuesday, the same day Portadown were held at home by Lisburn Distillery FC. Darren Armour, with a double, and Marty Hunter also scored, while Ryan Coyle netted a consolation for the lowly visitors, as Glentoran moved level on 53 points with the leaders.
Ports on a downer
Goal difference alone maintained Portadown's pole position following the 1-1 draw with Distillery at Shamrock Park, where Nathan McConnell's goal denied the hosts.
Coleraine in credit
On Wednesday, meanwhile, Coleraine FC consolidated third place by beating Glenavon FC 4-1. Paul Gaston, Stephen Beatty, Sean Armstrong and Barry Curran all registered at The Showgrounds. Elsewhere, Linfield FC earned a 1-1 draw at Omagh Town FC thanks to an equaliser from Stephen Collier.
