Match action by Alan Weir and Brian Bain

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”39″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow” gallery_width=”650″ gallery_height=”500″ cycle_effect=”fade” cycle_interval=”6″ show_thumbnail_link=”1″ thumbnail_link_text=”[Show picture list]” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Glenavon eased their way into the semi-finals of the Tennent’s Irish Cup with a 5-0 win over derby rivals Portadown at Shamrock Park.

Gary Hamilton’s side proved too strong on this occasion against their old rivals, especially in the second half as they took command with four goals as the cup holders ran out comprehensive winners.

Ciaran Martyn celebrates his goal which put Glenavon ahead. Pic by Maynard Collins.

It was the Ports who made an instant impact with Adam Foley firing just over the bar and then Robbie Garrett saw his shot on goal cleared off the line by Aaron Canning.
However, Glenavon began to get into the game and had a great opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot when James Singleton was felled in the box, but Greg Moorhouse drilled his spot kick down the middle and Jack Duffin made the save.
The home goal was under pressure soon after with Ciaran Martyn seeing his shot hit the underside of the bar with the chance set up by Joel Cooper.

Martyn was not to be denied in the next attack as he clipped the ball into the net on 40 minutes following a cross from the left wing by Singleton.

It remained 1-0 at the break but it was Glenavon with the better start to the second half with Guy Bates forcing a save out of Duffin.

The Ports keeper came to the rescue for his side not long after with another fine save, this time with his legs to deny Cooper.

The impressive Cooper finally found a way through on the hour mark, after winning the ball on the edge of the area he weaved his way into a shooting position and the ball flew past the keeper for 2-0.

It was all over eight minutes later with Copper grabbing his second of the tie, Bates delivered the pass and Cooper added the finish with a sweet volley. On 78 minutes it was 4-0, player manager Hamilton’s free kick clipped on by Mark Sykes and James Singleton was on hand to score his first goal of the season.

Glenavon had not finished with Sykes getting his name on the scoresheet by way of a looping header from Cooper’s cross.

Paul Millar and family wish to thank Portadown FC for arranging a minute’s silence prior to today’s game in respect of Paul’s son Philip who died yesterday. Paul also thanks all those who have been in touch to offer their condolences.

Portadown: Duffin, Carson (Holmes, 74 mins), Larkin, Shannon, Hazley, Foley (Gardiner, 67 mins), Henderson, Garrett, Mackle (Dolan, 64 mins), Garrett, McGerrigan, Soares. Unused subs: Mulvenna, Lyttle.

Glenavon: Tuffey, Canning, Marron, Elebert, Singleton, Hall (Sykes, 65 mins), Marshall, Martyn, Cooper, Bates (Gray, 84 mins), Moorhouse (Hamilton, 74 mins). Unused subs: Neill, Kilmartin.

Referee: Raymond Crangle