After knocking the Reds out of the JJB Sports Irish Cup last week Ronnie McFall's side repeated the feat to knock a serious dent in Cliftonville's title hopes.

It only took the Ports 11 minutes to open the scoring when Hunter was well palced to convert a Gary McCutcheon free-kick.

Chris Scannell might have levelled for the visitors on the stroke of half-time only to fail to beat David Miskelly from point blank range after connecting with a stray ball in the penalty area.

Tim Mouncey came close to extending Portadown's lead in the second half but he could only steer the ball narrowly wide despite being unmarked from a McCutcheon cross.

But that second goal did arrive 20 minutes from time. McCutcheon was involved once again when his initial effort was blocked allowing substitute Richard Lecky to turn home the rebound into the bottom corner.