Published Saturday, 13 February 2010
Portadown 2 - 1 Cliftonville
The 2-1 victory was achieved thanks to first-half strikes followed by impressive defending under increasing Cliftonville pressure in the aftermath of a goal on 84 minutes by former Portadown player, Peter Hutton.
Andy Hunter and David Miskelly combined on 18 minutes to block Chris Scannells path to goal.
The visitors continued to attack and forced a scramble inside the penalty area soon after, as Ronan Scannell's inviting cross dropped to the back post with Miskelly unable to claim. Kieran OConnor headed back into the box but Hunter eventually cleared the danger.
Portadown opened the scoring on 25 minutes thanks to a superb run from deep by Richard Clarke.
The midfielder forced his way into the Cliftonville box and hit a smart drive which John Connolly managed to block. However, Mouncey popped up to head home the rebound.
Cliftonville's response featured a crisp drive at close range by the impressive George McMullan which flashed wide of the post following neat control by the playmaker.
Determination
The tireless Jordan Baker capped a slick Portadown break with a second goal but the offside flag kept the deficit at 1-0.
However, moments later it was 2-0 thanks to McCutcheon's determination inside the area. The striker had one penalty appeal waved away but he continued to battle and gained his reward with a snapshot past Connolly.
Miskelly produced a great point-blank stop early in the second half to deny Ciaran Donaghy as Cliftonville stepped up the pressure.
However, Portadown appeared comfortable until Donaghy's deep delivery was palmed on to the crossbar by Miskelly and Hutton turned the loose ball over the line.
In the end, Portadown managed to protect the advantage until the final whistle to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
PORTADOWN: David Miskelly, Ross Redman, Andrew Hunter, Darren Kelly, Sean Mackle, Richard Clarke, Alan Teggart, Jordan Baker, Gary McCutcheon, Kevin Braniff, Tim Mouncey. Subs: Neil Teggart, Neil Armstrong, Richard Lecky (on for J.Baker, 72 mins), Aaron Haire (on for T.Mouncey, 81 mins), Johnny Topley (on for A.Teggart, 32 mins).
CLIFTONVILLE: John Connolly, Ronan Scannell, Barry Holland, Ciaran Donaghy, George McMullan, Chris Scannell, Liam Boyce, Ryan Catney, Kieran OConnor, Mark Clarke, Peter Hutton. Subs: Liam Fleming (on for B.Holland, 44 min), Declan OHara, Mark Holland (on for M.Clarke, 69 mins), Ryan Dunlop, Martin Jones (on for L.Boyce, 81 mins).
Referee: Mark Courtney (Dungannon).