Mark Holland and Chris Scannell scored for Cliftonville

Cliftonville took the lead with their first decent effort on 38 minutes.

Stephen O'Neill dragged the ball back for Kieran O'Connor and when he scuffed his shot the ball fell to Holland who swept the Reds in front.

Portadown frontman Kevin Braniff was sent-off for a second yellow card and then Scannell's fine finish gave the Reds a second goal in the 68th minute.

Scannell ran through to score after a good through pass from Holland.

For Holland and Cliftonville, it was a job well done.

"If you play Linfield and Portadown in your first two league games you have to be happy with four points from six," he said.

"I am glad to have got 90 minutes under my belt for the first time this season.

"We have another tough one now, facing Glentoran in the County Antrim Shield final."