Advantage Sligo Rovers in Setanta Cup

Sligo Rovers 3 Portadown 0

Goals from John Dillon, John Russell and Raffaele Cretaro put Sligo Rovers comfortably in the driving seat for a semi-final meeting with rivals Shamrock Rovers after a convincing Setanta Cup first-leg win at the Showgrounds.

Sligo had the start they would have wanted with the lead goal after 22 minutes. A header from striker Matt Blinkhorn was deflected into the path of John Dillon who shot past Portadown keeper David Miskelly.

Rovers remained on top before half time with Aaron Greene and Eoin Doyle having chances.

Midfielder John Russell added a second goal on the hour mark when peeling away on to Doyle’s superb cross to tap-in.

A fine break in the final minute resulted in Cretaro beating Miskelly for a third time to leave the Irish League side with a mountain to climb in the return leg at Shamrock Park next Monday.