Northern Ireland round-up: Easy for Ports
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
Article summary
Portadown FC defeated under-strength Omagh Town FC 5-1 yet remain nine points behind leaders Glentoran FC.
Article body
Weakened team
Neither club was happy with the timing of this rearranged fixture, with both sides involved in Irish Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. Consequently, Omagh manager Roy McCreadie fielded a reserve team rather than risk any injuries or suspensions to his first-choice lineup ahead of the tie against holders Linfield FC.
Portadown onslaught
Title-chasing Portadown eventually took full advantage, although their victory was the result of a second-half onslaught. Paul McAreavey fired the Ports ahead in the 38th minute but stand-in Omagh striker Noel Johnston equalised a minute before the break to send the sides in level.
Arkins at it
Neil Ogden made the most of a defensive error to put Portadown back in front ten minutes into the second half and four minutes later another slip allowed Gary Hamilton to stretch the home lead. Portadown skipper and Northern Ireland's top scorer, Vinny Arkins then took over, making it 4-1 on the hour before completing the rout in the 72nd minute.
