Bates torments Ports in derby win

Guy Bates celebrates after putting Glenavon 4-1 up.

The bustling striker was just too hot to handle for the Ports who brought his tally to the season to 14 in the game screened live on Sky Sports.

Kyle Neill also chipped in with a stunning goal against his former club on what was a night to savour for the Glenavon fans.

There was also another star performance from teenager Rhys Marshall who kept the highly influential Kevin Braniff out of the game.

Bates opened the scoring by punished poor defending from a long-throw from Gareth McKeown to fire Glenavon ahead on 19 minutes. Neill made it two nil after latching onto a great ball from Andy McGrory.

Gary Twigg pulled one back for Portadown but Bates made it 3-1 just before the break.

Bates sealed his hat-trick with his best goal of the night curling a great shot into the top corner from 25 yards out.

The win moves Glenavon above Portadown in the table and Gary Hamilton’s men can join Linfield at the top of the table with a win over Ballinamallard at Mourneview Park on Friday night.

See this week’s Lurgan Mail for match pictures and more.