Irish Premiership: Cliftonville 3-0 Portadown

Stephen Garrett bagged a double as the impressive Reds cruised to victory over Portadown at Solitude.

Peter Burke made an early save from Ports defender Ross Redman before the hosts seized control.

Jay Donnelly headed against the bar before Garrett rifled in the opener and Martin Donnelly struck a post from a free-kick early in the second half.

Jay Donnelly's dinked finish made it 2-0 and Garrett added the third from a penalty after he was fouled.

Portadown have now lost their last eight games against Cliftonville and without registering a goal.

It was the perfect start for new Reds boss Gerard Lyttle with his team three points behind leaders Linfield.

What they said

Cliftonville winger Stephen Garrett: "It was nice to get two goals and I caught the first one sweetly.

"The boys are hungry at the minute, the confidence is high and there's competition for places.

"We just look at the next game, not thinking about going for the title - if we keep on winning we'll just see where it takes us.

"Coleraine are also in the mix and the league is really exciting this season."