Striker Andy Smith scored for Glentoran

Glentoran 1-0 Portadown

Glentoran beat their nearest rivals Portadown to go 12 points clear at the top of the Irish League's Premier Division.

The Glens were pipped to the title last year by the Ports but it is now odds-on those placings will be reversed when the championship ends in April.

Andy Smith was again the man to get the vital goal for the Belfast club.

He shot home the winner on 19 minutes at the Oval as Glentoran made it nine wins out of 10 for the Glens.

It was Lisburn lad Smith's 29th goal of his first full season for Glentoran.

'Confidence high'

Glentoran's defence looked strong, particularly Gary Smyth and Paul Leean who snuffed out the danger of Portadown's deadly duo Vinny Arkins and Gary Hamilton.

Manager Coyle was delighted with Smith's strike.

"Andy's confidence is sky high at the moment," said the Glens boss.

"He feels he is capable of scoring every time he goes on to the pitch.

"But everyone contributed and that was important.

"When you are 12 points behind it is a mountain to climb.

"But we will not be complacent. If you do that results can go against you."

Daily Mirror Irish Leaue Premier Divsion
Coleraine 3-1 Ards
Crusaders 0-5 Linfield
Glenavon 0-2 Lisburn Distillery
Glentoran 1-0 Portadown
Institute 0-1 Newry Town