Northern Ireland round-up: Cliftonville held at home

In the only game played today in the Northern Irish League Premier Division, Cliftonville FC moved further away from relegation trouble with a 1-1 home draw against bottom side Newry Town FC.

Early lead
Cliftonville striker Anthony Crawford gave the home side the lead in the 18th minute, and Newry seemed to have squandered their best chance to take anything from the game when Robert Casey missed a penalty six minutes later. However, striker Martin Reilly salvaged a point for the away team, equalising 17 minutes from time.

Quick goals
Meanwhile, in the sixth round of the Irish Cup, last season’s defeated finalists Portadown FC moved through to the quarter-finals with a 2-0 home win against Knockbreda Parish FC with both goals coming in a two-minute spell just before half-time through midfield players Dean Fitzgerald and Kyle Neill.

Great debut
Glenavon FC triumphed 3-0 at Limvady United FC to give new manager Alfie Wylie a winning start thanks to two goals on his debut from Glen Fitzpatrick and a third from Kevin Henry. Holders Linfield FC won 2-0 at second division Tobermore United FC through two goals from striker Davy Larmour and next face Omagh Town FC, who defeated Dungannon Swifts FC 1-0 in a derby, with Paddy McLaughlin’s late goal proving decisive.

Late winner
Elsewhere, Ards FC secured a 1-0 home win against Killyleagh YC FC thanks to a goal from Davy Rainey two minutes into added time, while an own goal from Robbie Budden and further strikes from Scott Young and Andy Smith gave Glentoran FC a 3-0 win at Ballyclare Comrades FC.

Last-gasp equaliser
Coleraine FC won 2-0 at home against Larne FC after two goals from Paul Gaston, while a late equaliser gave Crusaders FC a 1-1 draw against Harland Wolff Welders FC.

Quarter-final draw
Omagh Town v Linfield
Coleraine v Crusaders/H & W Welders
Ards v Glentoran
Portadown v Glenavon
Ties to be played on 8 March