Glentoran through to cup final

Glentoran FC will meet Coleraine FC in the Irish Cup final after both enjoyed resounding semi-final successes against Portadown FC and Omagh Town FC respectively.

Impressive form
Runaway Northern Irish Premier Division leaders Glentoran were in imperious form at The Oval on the way to a 6-1 defeat of defending league champions Portadown, who finished the match with nine men.

Quick start
Portadown started convincingly with striker Gary Hamilton opening the scoring in the 12th minute. The advantage, though, was short-lived as Andy Smith levelled almost immediately, only for Gary Smyth to restore the home side's lead after 36 minutes, converting a free-kick which led to the dismissal of Portadown defender John Convery.

Two for Armour
Darren Armour made it 3-1 on the stroke of half-time and Glentoran began the second half in equally dominant fashion, with Armour scoring his second in the 52nd minute.

Decisive goals
Another Portadown player, striker Vinny Arkins, was then shown the red card, and midfield player Darren Lockhart took immediate advantage by scoring the fourth in the 58th minute. Armour rounded off a memorable afternoon for the home team by completing his hat-trick four minutes later.

Gorman opener

McCann decisive
Dermot Doherty reduced the deficit for Omagh in the 39th minute but Jody Tolan made it 3-1 within 60 seconds, although Marty McCann capped a frantic period of play by pulling another goal back five minutes before half-time.

Faded hopes
Any hopes of Omagh bringing themselves back into contention faded ten minutes after the break, however, when Curran scored for the second time. Gorman pounced for his second four minutes later, securing Coleraine’s place in the final.