Cliftonville v Portadown

Irish Premiership Cliftonville 3 - 1 Portadown FT Cliftonville returned to winning ways in the Irish Premiership with a 3-1 victory over Portadown at Solitude, with Brian Healy scoring twice and setting up Ben Quinn. The Reds bounced back from last weekend's 2-0 defeat by Dungannon Swifts to record their third league victory of the season, while Portadown remain without a point after five matches. Cliftonville opened the scoring when Dean McMaster collected a loose ball in midfield and sent Healy racing clear with a pass over the top, before the midfielder fired low beyond Jamie Barry for his first goal of the season. Portadown carried a threat despite falling behind, with Peter Morrison twice producing excellent saves to deny Eamon Fyfe from close range. Rory Hale had an effort ruled out for offside before Healy turned provider, picking out Quinn's run into the right side of the box for the midfielder to power a header beyond Barry. Liam McStravick was denied by Barry shortly before the break as Cliftonville went in 2-0 ahead. Healy added his second after 56 minutes when McMaster released him from near the halfway line, and he cut into the left side of the box before curling a composed finish across Barry and into the far corner. Portadown responded through Fyfe, who powered James Teelan's cross beyond Morrison at the far post following a quick counter-attack. Ahu Obhakhan then struck the post as the visitors threatened to reduce the deficit further, but Cliftonville weathered that spell of pressure. Substitute Joe Gormley almost added a fourth late on after intercepting a poor back pass, but Barry denied him as the Reds closed out a 3-1 victory.