Northern Ireland round-up: Glentoran pegged back

Glentoran FC’s charge towards the Northern Irish Premier Division title was temporarily halted on Saturday when they were held to a scoreless draw at home by Linfield FC.

Missed chances
Glentoran dominated at the Oval but failed to produce the goal they needed to overcome a determined Linfield side. A header from Glentoran left-back Mark Glendinning just after half-time hit the crossbar, before striker Darren Armour missed a good chance in the 65th minute.

Morris stop
Midfield player Michael O'Neill was sent off for the home side in the closing stages, and Linfield almost took advantage in the final minute, but Glentoran goalkeeper Elliott Morris saved well from Michael Gault.

Arkins opener
Second-placed Portadown FC closed the gap at the top to seven points by overcoming Glenavon FC 2-1 at Shamrock Park. Striker Vinny Arkins was on target in the 25th minute and central defender Cullen Feeney doubled the lead on the hour, before Stephen Hynds rounded off good work from Conor Forker to score a consolation goal. Portadown, however, have still played one game more than the leaders.

Significant win
Omagh Town FC defeated their opponents in the forthcoming Irish Cup semi-final, with a goal five minutes before half-time from Andy Crawford securing a 1-0 victory against third-placed Coleraine FC.

Narrow win
Institute FC, meanwhile, slipped out of the top six, suffering a 1-0 defeat at Ards FC. The home team lost central defender Ally McCombe to a red card midway through the second period, but were still able to preserve the narrow lead David Rainey’s 17th-minute strike had given them.

More wins
Lisburn Distillery FC moved ahead of Institute thanks to John Martin’s late winner in a 1-0 victory against Newry Town FC, while Crusaders FC won the north Belfast derby with a 1-0 victory away to Cliftonville FC. Gerard Rowe scored with a brilliant overhead kick seven minutes from time.