Sport

Gerard Lyttle era at Cliftonville gets off to dream start

Stephen Garrett tallied two goals and an assist in Cliftonville's 3-0 win against Portadown
Stephen Garrett tallied two goals and an assist in Cliftonville's 3-0 win against Portadown Stephen Garrett tallied two goals and an assist in Cliftonville's 3-0 win against Portadown

GERARD Lyttle's tenure at Cliftonville got off to a flyer with a 3-0 league victory against Portadown at Solitude, leaving the Reds only one-point adrift of second-placed Crusaders.

Stephen Garrett smashed a low shot past David Miskelly in the 37th minute to open proceedings. He was also at the heart of Cliftonville's second goal, setting up Jay Donnelly whose assured finish doubled their lead in the 72nd minute.

With ten minutes to go Garrett sealed Portadown's fate, converting from the spot to grab his fourth of the season.

Lyttle was appointed permanent Cliftonville manager on Thursday after an unbeaten period as interim boss in the wake of Tommy Breslin's resignation in September.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Crusaders were held to a 1-1 draw against Ballinamallard, giving Linfield a two-point cushion at the summit.

Ballinamallard 1 - 1 Crusaders FC

Cliftonville 3 - 0 Portadown

Coleraine 1 - 0 Dungannon Swifts

Glenavon 3 - 1 Ballymena United 

Glentoran 2 - 0 Carrick Rangers

Warrenpoint Town 0 - 3 Linfield 

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