Northern Ireland round-up: Glentoran stay in charge
Saturday, February 1, 2003
Article summary
Glentoran FC remained six points clear of Portadown FC on Saturday.
Article body
Glentoran FC remained six points clear of Portadown FC at the top of the Northern Irish Premier Division on Saturday thanks to a 2-1 defeat of Newry Town FC.
Gentoran comeback
Though it had looked like a repeat of their shock midweek defeat to Crusaders FC was on the cards when Graham Lawlor headed in Martin Reilly’s cross to edge an early lead, Glentoran bounced back when striker Andy Smith levelled before defender Gary Smyth curled in a trademark free-kick on the hour.
Comfortable victory
When Portadown FC’s away game with Ards FC finally got under way after a delayed kick-off, Ronnie McFall's men impressed in a 3-0 win. Striker Gary Hamilton’s precise header opened the scoring on 34 minutes and two late goals from midfield players Dean Fitzgerald and Kyle Neill settled matters.
In-form Coleraine
Third-placed Coleraine FC extended their unbeaten run to 16 games with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Cliftonville FC, who went ahead in the fifth minute through John Gregg. The lead did not last long, as Coleraine quickly equalised before going ahead through a Tony Gorman free-kick.
Gaston winner
Conor Hagan equalised for the visitors minutes before the break, before a header from Barry Tumilty put Cliftonvilleback in front. Coleraine were not to be denied, however, as Sean Armstrong levelled again in the 54th minute, and Paul Gaston scored the winner with 15 minutes to go.
Markey decisive
Under-pressure Glenavon FC, meanwhile, managed a 2-2 draw at home to Linfield FC. Glenavon took the lead when Pete Batey scored in the eighth minute but defender William Murphy equalised and Glenn Ferguson put the away side 2-1 up, and it took an equaliser from new signing Brendan Markey to earn Glenavon a point.
Crusaders denied
Crusaders were denied a third successive league win when they surrendered a one-goal advantage to lose 2-1 at Institute FC, with Stephen Parkhouse striking the winner for the hosts. Omagh Town FC’s miserable run continued as they were well-beaten 3-0 at home by Lisburn Distillery FC.