It's half-time at the Ballymena Showgrounds and it's fair to say it's a first half that won't live long in the memory.

Half-time at Lakeview Park and Jim Magilton's men head in with a two-goal cushion.

Keevan Hawthorne’s clever finish set the tone before Shaun Leppard powered in a near-post header, leaving the hosts with plenty to do after the break.

Craig Harris sees yellow for the Welders.

Portadown finally show some attacking threat as Eamon Fyfe tees up Josh Ukek in the box, but Bradley Wade blocks the striker's shot with an outstretched leg to keep it goalless.

Daniel Mhondiwa lost the ball in his own half and Kealan Dillon pounced.

He threads the ball through to Sean McAllister but, for the second time in this half, Samuel Safaei stands up tall to McAllister’s effort and puts the ball behind for a corner.

In one additional minute.

A loose pass in midfield from Mark Coyle is seized upon by Limavady United.

However, Leon Boyd's low cross is gratefully gathered at his near post by Coleraine keeper Ryan Schofield.

There's a great battle playing out between Igor Rutkowski and Baris Altintop as the Ballymena striker wins another free-kick against his opponent.

Sean Murray fires the set-piece towards the Portadown goal, but Matthew Clarke fails to react as it breaks for him at the back post.

Four minutes of added time signalled at Lakeview Park as Loughgall try to finish the half strongly.

A free-kick on the edge of the penalty area is headed clear as far as John Butcher whose first time effort is wildly off target.

Watch Shaun Leppard double Cliftonville's advantage over their Championship opponents.

The Reds look in good shape to continue their bid to reach a third successive Irish Cup final at this stage.

Ethan Devine rose the highest and nodded the ball into the path of Daniel Mhondiwa.

But, at an acute angle, Mhondiwa drags his shot and pulls it wide of the far post.

A clever corner routine from the visitors sees Senan Devine's inswinging cross diverted over his own crossbar by Ryan McNickle, the striker back helping out his defence.

Igor Rutkowski is inches away from getting onto Matthew Clarke's long through ball, but the striker fails to connect with the cross despite launching himself at it in the Portadown box.

Dougie Wilson takes responsibility from the free-kick but the effort never threatens the target.

The former Portadown man leans back and sends it sailing well over the bar.

Philip Major
Sportsound summariser

Probably 2-0 is a bit harsh for Loughgall, they have been in this game and had some chances.

Shaun Leppard is very difficult to mark and he made no mistake there. Cliftonville [are] exactly where Jim Magilton would have wanted, two goals to the good.

Liam McStravick is penalised for a clip from behind on Paul McElroy just outside the box.

A promising position here for Darren Murphy's men.

A second corner for the hosts.

Ladislau Leonel Ucha Alves backheels the ball to Adam Glenny and he fires away a great shot but it’s tipped over the bar by Samuel Safaei, who’s been having a very good game so far.