Andrew Waterworth's first-half goal helped Glentoran beat holders Portadown in the opening Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final at Windsor Park.

Waterworth was allowed to stride unchallenged from halfway on 20 minutes before hitting a low shot past unsighted Ports keeper David Miskelly.

John Convery and Sean Mackle wasted chances to equalise before half-time.

Elliott Morris denied Convery and Darren Kelly in the second half as the Glens held on despite Ports pressure.

Portadown almost took the lead as early as the second minute but Richard Leckey's downward header was scrambled away by Elliot Morris.

Good work by Gary Hamilton then set up a chance for Daryl Fordyce in the 11th minute but the striker's effort was blocked by Andy Hunter.

However, Glentoran did take the lead nine minutes later as Waterworth ran unchallenged from halfway before striking a low shot from 16 yards past a sea of bodies and an apparently unsighted Miskelly.

Hamilton went close to doubling Glentoran's lead in the 28th minute as his dipping free-kick flew inches over the crossbar.

Portadown wasted two great chances before the break with Convery off target after Leckey's miscued shot and Sean Mackle then failing to beat Morris when clean through.

Hamilton had a chance to extend Glentoran's lead just after the hour mark but he fired wide after a great turn.

Tim Mouncey looked set to level for Portadown two minutes later but lost his footing at the crucial moment and didn't get full purchase on his shot.

Not for the first time, Morris came to Glentoran's rescue on 72 as he saved Convery's header after a Ross Redman free-kick.

Portadown pressed hard in the closing stages but the nearest they came to an equaliser was Darren Kelly's low 88th-minute drive which was superbly gathered by Morris.

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