Brian Healy's brace led Cliftonville FC to a 3-1 victory over Portadown at Solitude this afternoon. Ben Quinn also found the net for the Reds in a match where they were described as more than worthy winners.
Healy opened the scoring after Portadown goalkeeper PJ Morrison produced a wonder save, but the forward was quickest to react. Quinn then doubled the advantage with a header, his third goal of the current campaign. Healy completed his double shortly after with an emphatic finish, putting the game beyond doubt before Eamon Fyfe grabbed a late consolation for the visitors. Portadown's Ahu Obhakhan also struck the post during the match.
The contest at Solitude saw Cliftonville take control early. Portadown's PJ Morrison was called into action with a spectacular stop, but Brian Healy was on hand to convert the rebound and give the home side the lead. The momentum stayed with Cliftonville, and Ben Quinn extended their advantage with a well-placed header. Healy then sealed the three points with a powerful finish for his second goal of the game. Despite a late goal from Eamon Fyfe and a post from Ahu Obhakhan, Cliftonville managed the game effectively to secure the win.
This result provides a positive note as the club looks ahead to the new season. In the final standings of the 2025 Northern Ireland Premiership, Cliftonville finished fifth with 47 points from 33 games, recording 13 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses. Their recent form at the end of that campaign was mixed, ending with a sequence of loss, win, win, loss, loss. Over the course of that season, they scored 49 goals and conceded 48, finishing with a goal difference of +1. The title race saw them end 26 points behind champions Larne. Fans can review the full standings from last term.
Attention now turns to the upcoming fixtures. The next scheduled match for Cliftonville is an away trip to face Ballymena United on November 28, 2026. Ballymena finished the previous season in 10th position. Supporters can track the team's preparation and view the complete fixtures list on the club's site. The performance of players like Ben Quinn, who is now on three goals for the season, will be important as the squad builds towards that match. The club's squad page details the current playing roster.
Brian Healy's two goals this afternoon were the decisive contribution in a solid team performance. The next challenge is the away fixture at Ballymena United on November 28.
