Northern Ireland round-up: Title blow for Portadown
Saturday, February 8, 2003
Article summary
Champions Portadown FC's title challenge suffered a major blow as they lost 5-1 at home to Coleraine FC
Article body
Northern Irish Premier Division champions Portadown FC’s title challenge suffered a blow after a comprehensive 5-1 home defeat by Coleraine FC.
Remarkable run
Second-placed Portadown lost further ground on league leaders Glentoran FC as they slipped to their third league defeat to Coleraine this season, a result which extended the away side’s unbeaten run to 17 matches.
Strong start
Coleraine took the lead in the ninth minute through midfield player Stephen Beatty, before Sean Armstrong doubled the lead eight minutes later with a composed finish. Portadown’s prolific striker Vinny Arkins halved the deficit in the 25th minute with his 32nd goal of the season, but Beatty restored Coleraine’s two-goal lead just before half-time with his second goal of the game.
Further goals
Although Portadown tried hard to find a way back into the game after the interval, two further goals from Jody Tolan sealed a resounding victory.
Glentoran capitalise
Glentoran took full advantage with a 2-0 win away over Cliftonville FC at Solitude, stretching their lead at the top to six points with a game in hand. Central defender Gary Smyth opened the scoring after 55 minutes and a tight contest was finally decided by Michael Halliday, who scored Glentoran’s second in the final minute.
Linfield go fourth
Linfield FC moved back into fourth with a 1-0 home defeeat of Ards FC, with Lee Feeney scoring the only goal of the game after 33 minutes, capitalising on a knock-down from Davy Larmour.
Crusaders in form
Crusaders FC's recent revival continued with a 2-0 home victory against Glenavon FC that moved them above their opponents and out of the bottom two on goal difference. Goals from Davy Munster and Alan Murphy early in the second half secured the result.
Omagh win again
Elsewhere, Lisburn Distillery FC drew 1-1 with Institute FC, while on Friday night Omagh Town FC ended a run of ten league games without a win thanks to a penalty from Eamon Kavanagh which earned them a 1-0 victory at Newry Town FC.
