The second half has started in a similar style to the first half ended with some half chances, but neither stopper having to make a meaningful save so far.

Taylor Steven delivers an inviting cross to the back post, where Michael Glynn meets it with a well-struck volley from a tight angle.

Jonny Tuffey reacts quickly to turn it behind before confidently claiming the resulting corner under pressure.

Kieran Offord continues to pose problems for the Reds' defence, finding space 25 yards out.

The Crues striker unleashes a powerful drive, but it's straight at David Odumosu, who secures the ball at the second time of asking.

Kieran Offord shows quick feet to spin away from Jonny Addis, creating a dangerous opening.

Just as the Crues striker prepares to shoot, Michael Newberry gets across to make a vital sliding block. The resulting corner comes to nothing as the Reds clear their lines.

Lee Chapman travels through midfield and to the edge of the box before firing a whisker wide of the left hand post.

That was a good chance for the away side to grab an early goal in the second half.

No changes at the break as we get back underway at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

The home side gets the action back underway.

Here's how Joe Gormley found the opener for Cliftonville in the north Belfast derby.

The first half comes to an end and, at the break, we still await the first goal.

All to play for in the second half.

The hosts head into the interval with a narrow lead, courtesy of Joe Gormley's well-taken goal in the 39th minute.

Jim Magitlon will be pleased with his side's first-half performance, while the Crues will need to regroup and improve if they are to get anything from this one in the second half.

Just one minute of added time at the end of the first half. The Reds head into stoppage time with a slender advantage.

We're into three minutes of additional time at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

Will we see a goal before the break?

Ronan Doherty delivers the resulting free-kick into a dangerous area, picking out Jonny Addis.

The towering defender rises well but can't direct his header on target, letting the Declan Caddell's side off the hook.

Ethan Devine replaces the injured Jonathan McMurray.

Postpublished at 20:28 Greenwich Mean Time 1 November 2024

20:28 GMT 1 November 2024

Ballymena United 0-0 Portadown

There is a stoppage in play to let Jonathan McMurray receive treatment.

Jordan Forsythe becomes the first name in Ben McMaster's notebook after a mistimed challenge on Ronan Doherty.

The experienced midfielder can have few complaints as he catches his opponent late in the middle of the park.

Tony Clarke has had a busy evening so far with plenty of niggly tackles. However I'm not sure he is on either manager's Christmas card list at the minute as they both haven't been happy with some of the decisions made.

I've been waiting for the day when I can use my Christmas jokes again - can you tell?!

A slick Reds move starts with Jonny Addis finding Joe Gormley, who cleverly lays it off first-time to Aaron Pettifer.

The midfielder's long-range effort is blocked by Jimmy Callacher before Michael Glynn's follow-up is comfortably gathered by Jonny Tuffey in the Crues goal.

Ross Clarke cleverly directs Robbie Weir's free-kick out wide towards Jordan Forsythe in the penalty area.

The Crues midfielder shows excellent control, chesting the ball down before attempting an audacious lob over David Odumosu.

The former St Pats stopper looks concerned, but the ball lands harmlessly on top of the net.