Gary Hamilton has been in fine scoring form for Portadwn

Portadown are in negotiations with striker Gary Hamilton over a new contract.

Hamilton's current deal expires soon and manager Ronnie McFall is anxious to keep the former Blackburn player at Shamrock Park.

Hamilton and Vinny Arkins form the Irish League's most successful striking partnership and played a leading role in the Ports' title success in 2002.

Arkins has scored 31 goals in the Premier Division, Irish Cup and CIS Cup this season with Hamilton on 30.

Meanwhile, Ballymena United manager Kenny Shiels has questioned the choice of the Oval as venue for the TFG Sports County Antrim Shield final on Tuesday 4 March.

The Oval is the home ground of Ballymena's opponents Glentoran.

"Could it not have been arranged at a neutral venue or the clubs asked to toss up," asked Shiels.

In the semi-finals, Ballymena had home advantage against Chimney Corner while Glentoran played on the ground of their opponents Linfield.