Ports gain revenge over Lurgan Blues

It was a vital three points for Ronnie McFall’s men in their bid to secure a place in Europe via third place in the league.

Glenavon fell behind to a soft goal on four minutes. A corner from Chris Casement was forced home by the unmarked Emmett Friars.

Portadown almost grabbed a second when Casement skimmed the bar with a free kick and then William Murphy cleared a shot from Peter McMahon off the line.

Glenavon had to wait until 19 minutes before creating their first chance of note, Guy Bates curling the ball into the box but Brian McCaul just failed to connect.

James McGrath was called into action soon after to make a fine save to deny Twigg.

Glenavon began to play their way into the game and Mark Patton went close after teeing the ball onto his right foot but his shot flew just wide.

With a minute to go before the break McMahon was through with only McGrath to beat but his lob dropped wide of the far post.

Portadown doubled their lead as Glenavon made a slow start to the second half, Casement latching onto a loose ball and curling a great shot from the outside of his right foot to give McGrath no chance.

Andrew Hoey had replaced Guy Bates at the start of the second half and on 58 minutes Andrew Sykes came on for Sammy McIlveen.

Portadown had Friars to thank for keeping the two goal lead as he cleared a William Murphy header off the line after the ball clipped the bar and Marshall just failed to connect with the loose ball a few yards out.

Portadown almost made it 3-0 when McMahon found some space at the edge of the six yard box but his shot struck the post.

Then a fine move by Glenavon almost gave them a way back into the game, Marshall darting into the box and his centre fell into the path of McCaul who was set to score but Casement got his foot in the way.

It was Casement who added Portadown’s third on 82 minutes. Drilling the ball home after being set up by Murray.

Glenavon: McGrath, Neill, McCallion, Murphy, Bates, Patton, McGrory, Marshall, McIlveen, McCabe, McCaul. Subs: McKeown, Skyes, Dane, Hoey, Dallas.

Referee: Raymond Crangle.