Portadown win Irish League title

Ronnie McFall's Portadown celebrates another title

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Portadown 3-1 Cliftonville

Portadown clinched the Smirnoff Premiership title by beating Cliftonville on a dramatic final day of the Irish League season.

Ronnie McFall's men had to fight back from a goal down to pip Glentoran to the title by one point.

It is Portadown's first championship triumph since they won the inaugural Premiership in 1996.

And it is the fourth championship won by the Ports under manager Ronnie McFall.

Vinny Arkins headed Portdown into a 2-1 lead

Pat Wall had given Cliftonville a 10th minute lead and for while it looked as if the Gibson Park trophy was heading to Glentoran instead as they took an early lead against Coleraine.

But Portadown gradually got on top and Gary Hamilton scored the equaliser in the 21st minute.

Vinny Arkins, top scorer in the Irish League for the fourth season out of the last five, headed Portadown ahead in the 33rd minute.

Then Kyle Neill got the goal which settled the Portadown nerves in the second half.

With the destiny of the championship in doubt on the final day, league officials brought the trophy to Portadown by helicopter for the presentation.

"The league table does not lie, we are worthy champions," said Ports boss McFall.

"We were a bit nervous early on but picked up the pace and always looked like winning."