Portadown make comfortable progress

Portadown FC moved through to the semi-finals of the Irish Cup with a comfortable 5-0 home win against Glenavon FC.

Impressive season
Last year’s defeated finalists, who are also reigning league champions and currently lie second in the standings, continued their dominance over Glenavon, against whom they have already enjoyed 2-0, 6-0, 5-0 and 2-0 wins so far this season in various competitions.

First-half frustration
However, despite the eventual margin of the victory it took Portadown until the 44th minute to make the breakthrough, as midfield player Richard Clarke’s powerful right-foot shot crept just inside the post to give his side the lead.

Decisive goals
Portadown quickly increased their advantage in the second period, as striker Vinny Arkins headed in from a Paul McAreavey corner shortly after half-time, and seven minutes later it was 3-0 when another McAreavey corner was headed in by midfield player Dean Fitzgerald.

Arkins gets his second
Clarke’s cross gave Arkins the chance to make it 4-0 with 20 minutes remaining, before another McAreavey corner led to Peter McCann scoring with a well-struck shot.

Coleraine safely through
Coleraine FC also reached the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory at home to Crusaders FC. Coleraine’s 20-game unbeaten run was ended last weekend by Linfield FC, but two goals from Rory Hamill at either end of the first half ensured they returned to winning ways.

Waterlogged pitches
The other two quarter-finals between Ards FC and Glentoran FC, and holders Linfield, who visit Omagh Town FC, were postponed due to waterlogged pitches and will now be played on Tuesday and Thursday evening respectively.

Semi-final draw:
Portadown v Ards or Glentoran
Omagh Town or Linfield v Coleraine
Ties to be played on the weekend of April 4-5