Ports get Gregg lift

PORTADOWN 4

BALLYMENA 0

VETERAN Gregg Davidson was the inspiration behind a win that keeps Portadown breathing down Cliftonville's necks in the race for the title.

The little East Belfast man's eighth minute goal set the Shamrock Park side on the way to a comfortable victory on his return to action after a month off through injury and suspension.

He finished off a delightful three-man move as Portadown shrugged off indifferent home form that has seen them drop 15 points from a possible 30.

"It was time for our players to stand up and be counted and I was pleased with our form today," said Ports boss, Ronnie McFall. "We badly needed to win this one and I was especially happy with our first half form."

Portadown were two up by the break, Garry Haylock getting the second in 22 minutes, heading home the rebound after skipper Brian Strain rattled the crossbar.

Billy Woods got the third with a sizzling 25 yard left foot shot that Ballymena keeper Robbie Beck never saw.

Ballymena, with only two points from their last five games, desperately needed to win to stay in contention, but frankly it never looked likely. It was 53 minutes before Ports keeper, Tim Dalton had to make a save, record signing Glenn Hunter bringing the best out of the keeper with a close range header after a great cross from full back Nigel Boyd.

Ballymena were fortunate they weren't trailing by more at this stage as Ports full back Colm Tresson and central defender Raymond Byrne both went close.

Ballymena's misery was complete before the hour when Ports top striker Arkins brought his season's tally to 30, scoring from the spot after Mark Carlisle brought him down in the box.

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