Irish Premiership: Portadown 0-0 Ballymena Utd

Portadown's slim hopes of securing a top six place in the Irish Premiership suffered a major setback with this dreary goal-less draw at Shamrock Park.

Kevin Braniff forced Dwayne Nelson into a fine save in the first half, while Joe McNeill fired against the bar, Braniff shooting wide from the rebound.

With two minutes remaining, Mark Patton smashed an effort against the post and Tony Kane saw his lob come off the bar.

The Ports lie six points behind sixth-placed Ballinamallard.

Ronnie McFall's side have two games to play before the league splits into the top and bottom six, compared to Ballinamallard's one.

However, the Mallards boast a significantly better goal difference.