Ronnie McFalls sees two points slipping away at Shamrock Park

Portadown seemed to be coasting at half-time after two Allan Smart goals.

However, John O'Loughlin replied for the Reds in the 54th minute and Ronan Scannell's superb strike then brought the sides level.

Kevin Pressman also made great saves to deny Mark Holland and O'Loughlin as the Reds pressed for the winner.

Smart headed Portadown's opener in the third minute after rising to connect with a Peter Kennedy free-kick.

More poor Cliftonville defending enabled Smart to nod home his second goal of the day in the 23rd minute after Convery had headed Kennedy's delivery back across goal.

Portadown looked in complete control by the break and manager Ronnie McFall introduced recent signing Kevin Braniff for his debut at that stage.

However, Cliftonville were a different team after the interval.

Conor Downey tested Pressman straight after the break and O'Loughlin did pull a goal back for the Reds on 54 minutes after good work by Ronan Scannell.

Cliftonville continued to dominate and Pressman did brilliantly to turn a powerful Mark Holland header away for a corner.

But the Reds were on terms in the 72nd minute when Ronan Scannell cut inside from the right hand side and delivered a great finish past Pressman.

A dreadful backpass from Henry McStay gifted Cliftonville a glorious chance to take the lead but first Holland and then Gary Kennedy were denied by Pressman.

As Cliftonville continued to press for the winner, Holland then wasted a headed chance while Conor Downey was inches wide with a superb volley from 30 yards.

O'Loughlin should have scored his second goal of the afternoon in the final five minutes but Pressman spread his bulky frame to deny the striker from close range.

Right at the death, Ports sub Braniff had a chance to steal victory for the Ports but he was unable to make the vital connection.