Ben Arthurs does his bit at the other end, tracking back to nod Jack Scott’s free-kick clear before it can reach Luke McCullough lurking at the back post.

Mick Morgan slips a neat pass into Tiarnan Mulvenna just outside the area, and his quick touch and strike has Nathan Gartside at full stretch to push it away.

The Seasiders starting the half brightly.

Play resumes at The Oval with the same 22 players who finished the first period.

The second half is under way at Clandeboye Park, with Mick Morgan on in place of Jay Boyd for Lee Feeney's side.

Watch as Pat Hoban sends a strong penalty into the bottom corner to give Glentoran the lead at the Oval.

David Jeffrey
Former Linfield & Ballymena manager on BBC iPlayer

There is no doubt in my mind that Ben McMaster got the decision right and Glentoran deservedly got the penalty.

Image source, Press Eye

Pat Hoban's penalty late in the half gives Glentoran the edge at the interval.

Portadown will feel aggrieved that they are behind as they have certainly contributed to the first period.

Half-time at Clandeboye Park, where it remains goalless.

Plenty of running, plenty of commitment, but precious little end product so far. Both managers will want a bit more composure after the break.

Just one minute added at the end of the first half, which feels about right after a scrappy opening 45 minutes with few clear chances.

There will be a minimum of four minutes of additional time at the end of the first half.

Reece Neale goes into the book for a late challenge on Kyle Cherry just inside the Carrick half.

Portadown's Gary Thompson bravely throws himself at the ball to block a Josh Kelly shot.

The visiting skipper really leading by example there.

Paul Heatley’s low cross is cleared only as far as Jack Scott, who meets it first time from 20 yards but sends it sailing well over the bar and out of the ground.

That one’s not coming back any time soon.

Ben Arthurs gets up to meet Reece Neale’s corner but can’t make a clean connection, his glancing header drifting narrowly wide of the post. Another near miss for the home side.

Lewis Mackinnon rather awkwardly slices a clearance from a Danny Amos cross over his own crossbar.

It's been a testing few minutes for the Ports central defender.

Kyle Owens rises to flick on Reece Neale’s long throw, and Jay Boyd meets it inside the six-yard box, only to see his effort crash off the crossbar. Agonisingly close for the hosts.

Carrick enjoy a rare spell of possession, but Luke McCullough’s crossfield pass to Joe Crowe sails harmlessly out of play.

It’s been a half full of effort and energy, but genuine quality has been in short supply.

David Jeffrey
Former Linfield & Ballymena manager on BBC iPlayer

Alex Moore guessed the right way, but such was the power and the accuracy that he had no chance.

It was an excellent penalty.

Penalty to Glentoran...