Northern Ireland round-up: Omagh hit the heights

Omagh take advantage
With Linfield FC and Portadown FC - the other two front-runners in Northern Ireland - not in action this weekend, after their game against each other was postponed due to Portadown's involvement in the UEFA Cup last Thursday, Omagh took full advantage.

Sproule makes certain
Right-back Stephen Johnston pushed forward to fire the visitors in front in the 27th minute at Seaview and two minutes later centre-forward Barry Patton powered in a header to put Omagh in complete control. Omagh continued to dominate and made certain of victory when Ivan Sproule volleyed in their third goal in the 78th minute.

Glenavon off the mark
Meanwhile, Glenavon FC recorded their first win of the season with a 3-1 success against Institute FC thanks to a Marc McCann goal, a Ger McMahon penalty and, after Stephen Parkhouse had pulled one back for the visitors, a final effort from Brian Quilty.

Gloom for Newry
There was no joy at home for Newry Town FC as they went down 2-0 against a revitalised Coleraine FC. Having lost 4-1 at home to Lisburn Distillery FC last week, a Paul Gaston header and a late Sean Armstrong strike restored some confidence to Coleraine.

No goals at Solitude 
There were no goals at Solitude on Friday night as Cliftonville FC and Ards FC shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw, and no match at Lisburn on Saturday as the game between Distillery and Glentoran FC was postponed after the visitors had to travel to Poland for a UEFA Cup match in the week.