Northern Ireland round-up: Rousing finale for Newry

Newry Town FC will take heart as they go into their relegation play-off games after a 1-0 win against Ards FC last night.

Newry triumph
In the final scheduled league game of the Northern Irish season, Newry veteran Raymond Byrne scored the only goal of the game at the Showgrounds nine minutes into the second half when he capitalised on a mistake by visiting centre-half Ally McCombe.

Play-off beckons
Ards were awarded a penalty ten minutes from the end when Gary Kennedy felled Paul Donegan but Newry goalkeeper Darren O'Grady saved David Rainey's spot kick. Newry now face a two-legged play-off against second division Bangor FC which they must win to retain their top-flight status.

Champions draw
Newly crowned champions Glentoran FC held arch-rivals Linfield FC to a 1-1 draw in their final game of the season at Windsor Park on Tuesday, while Glentoran's Irish Cup final opponents played on Monday night, winning 2-1 against Institute FC thanks to a last-gasp goal from Michael McHugh.

Hamilton hat-trick
There was more drama on Tuesday as last season's champions, Portadown FC, came from behind twice to win 5-3 at Omagh Town FC. A Gary Hamilton hat-trick followed by two goals from Kyle Neill saw Portadown home, despite Austin Friel, Andy Crawford and Noel Johnston's goals for the hosts.

Cliftonville win again
Finally, Crusaders FC ended with a 1-1 draw at home to Lisburn Distillery FC while Cliftonville FC recorded only their second victory of the season, 2-0 at against Glenavon FC. John Gregg and Ronan Scannell were the scorers.