Northern Ireland round-up: Portadown move clear at the top

Another hat-trick from the prolific Vinny Arkins helped champions Portadown FC extend their lead at the top of the table with a convincing 4-0 victory away to bottom club Crusaders FC.

Arkins on target
Portadown went ahead midway through the first half through a header from Gary Hamilton but then his strike partner Arkins took over, doubling the advantage shortly after the interval. Home hopes were effectively ended in the 63rd minute when Scott Murray was sent off, and Arkins scored again two minutes later before completing his hat-trick with two minutes remaining.

Bruising encounter
Portadown were top on goal difference only from Omagh Town FC before kick-off but the Tyrone team were beaten 2-0 at home by Glentoran FC. In an ill-tempered encounter, Andy Smith broke the deadlock with a fine run and shot in the 73rd minute and seven minutes from time Michael Halliday capitalised on a goalkeeping error to seal a win that moves Glentoran up into seventh spot.

Linfield go third
Linfield FC moved into third place with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Newry Town FC, Glenn Ferguson scoring twice. The former Northern Ireland striker opened the scoring inside two minutes before Newry’s Lee Anderson was sent off on the stroke of half-time. Stephen Shaw scored the second in the 53rd minute and Ferguson made sure of victory 13 minutes from the end.

Coleraine earn valuable win
Coleraine FC eased the pressure on manager Marty Quinn with a 3-1 victory away to Institute FC, a result that moved the visitors above their hosts into fourth spot on goal difference. Insititute took the lead through Ryan Semple, but goals from Rory Hamill, Tony Gorman and a Stephen Beatty penalty gave Coleraine all three points.

Cliftonville enjoy away win
Cliftonville FC found their touch in front of goal to record a comfortable 3-0 at Lisburn Distillery FC, thanks to goals from Gerard Lyttle, Conor Downey and Geordie McMullan.

Ards earn a draw
Glenavon FC and Ards FC shared a 1-1 draw at Mourneview Park, with new signing Gerard McCargo giving Glenavon the lead before Shane Reddish equalised a minute later.