Northern Ireland round-up: Glenavon preserve top-flight status

Glenavon FC secured their place in the Northern Irish Premier Division with a 3-2 win against fellow strugglers Newry Town FC.

Relegation play-off
The result meant that Newry must now face Bangor FC, who finished fifth in the first division, in a promotion and relegation play-off.

Early setback
Needing only a draw to guarantee their top-flight status, Glenavon fell behind after just four minutes as Damian Curran gave Newry an early lead, but goals either side of half-time from John Devine and Marc McCann turned the match in the home side's favour.
 
Late winner
Newry levelled just before the hour through Barry Meehan but were forced to push forward in search of a winning goal, and Andrew Hamilton was able to exploit the extra space to score a third for Glenavon five minutes from time.

Champions held
Meanwhile, champions Glentoran FC were presented with the league title trophy, the Gibson Cup, prior to a 0-0 draw at home to Omagh Town FC.

Entertaining draw
Second-placed Portadown FC were also held, with Institute FC earning a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw. The home side took the lead in the very first minutes thanks to an own goal from Institute goalkeeper John Connolly, but Paul McLaughlin equalised after 17 minutes.

Third equaliser
Kyle Neill restored Portadown's lead midway through the second half, but Stuart Bratton made it 2-2 ten minutes from time. A minute later, Gary Hamilton put Portadown in front for a third time, but Institute's third equaliser arrived two minutes later, scored by Stephen Parkhouse from the penalty spot.

Coleraine third
Coleraine FC made certain of third place with a 3-1 home victory against Linfield FC. Goals from Ian McCoosh and Barry Curran put Coleraine in command, and although Andy Hunter quickly halved the deficit, Gareth McAuley's third sealed Colerain’e win.

Cliftonville win at last
Elsewhere, Cliftonville FC recorded their first victory of 2003 as Ronan Scannell scored the only goal of their home game with Lisburn Distillery FC, while Crusaders FC drew 0-0 with Ards FC.