Irish Premiership: Portadown 4-1 Institute

Portadown moved up to second in the Premiership table as they comfortably defeated Institute at Shamrock Park.

Darren Murray put the Ports ahead on six minutes but Declan McKeever levelled for Stute four minutes later.

Stute keeper Eugene Ferry denied Chris Casement three times before the break but Gary Twigg restored Portadown's lead with a 51st-minute header.

Casement's superb half-volley made it 3-1 on 63 while Keith O'Hara nodded the fourth Ports goal on 72.

Portadown's victory moves them to within three points of leaders Cliftonville and up to second in the table as Crusaders were held to a 1-1 draw at Ballinamallard.

Murray, back in the Ports team along with Michael Gault, put the Ports ahead as he broke clear of the Institute defence before firing past Ferry.

However, Institute were on terms within four minutes as McKeever bundled to the net after the Ports defence had failed to clear following a corner-kick.

As the Ports lost their way somewhat, they were restricted to a trio of long-range Casement shots during the remainder of the half with Ferry making smart saves on each occasion.

Casement was again involved as the home side did regain the lead on 51 as his cross was deftly headed home by Twigg.

Former Linfield man Casement blasted in a sweet half-volley on 63 and O'Hara's header 18 minutes from time completed the scoring.