Soccer

Portadown step up Championship title bid

Niall Currie’s side beat Ards to go third

Pacemaker Press 3-2-24 Portadown v Bangor - Clearer Water Irish Cup Portadown's Zach Barr celebrates his second goal during today's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
Zach Barr (right) was on target for Portadown against Ards (David Maginnis/David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)
By Frank Brownlow

GOALS from Brandon Diau, Eamon Fyfe and Zach Barr helped Portadown to a 3-1 win over Ards at Clandeboye Park in the Playr-Fit Championship on Tuesday night, a result which lifts Niall Currie’s side up to third just two points behind Bangor and four adrift of leaders Dundela.

The Ports - chasing an immediate return to the top flight - face the Seasiders in a blockbuster clash at Shamrock Park on Friday night.

The Duns, who take on Newington at Larne’s Inver Park on Saturday, will not be promoted as Wilgar Park is too narrow to pass Sports Direct Premiership rules and the club have said they will not groundshare.

Also on Tuesday night, Newington drew 2-2 with struggling Knockbreda at Larne’s Inver Park.

RESULTS

Ards 1 Portadown 3; Newington 2 Knockbreda 2

FIXTURES

Friday, March 22: Portadown v Bangor (7.45pm)

Saturday, March 23 (3pm): Ards v Dergview; Ballinamallard v Annagh; H&W Welders v Institute; Knockbreda v Ballyclare; Newington v Dundela