Portadown secured a vital three points with a dramatic 2-1 away win over Cliftonville on Saturday 17 October. Scott's stoppage-time strike completed a comeback after Kennedy's opener was cancelled out by Healy.
The victory moves Portadown up to 11th in the Premiership, now on five points from 11 games, a record of one win, two draws, and eight losses. It provides a significant morale boost ahead of their next fixture, a home match against second-placed Linfield on Friday 23 October. The team's recent form shows two wins, one draw, and two losses from their last five matches, a sequence that includes a 3-1 win over Limavady United and a 0-0 draw with Glentoran prior to this result. Their overall goal tally for the campaign stands at eight scored and 20 conceded, giving them a goal difference of minus 12.
Kennedy gave the visitors the lead on the half-hour mark, finishing a sharp move to put Portadown ahead. Cliftonville responded after the break, with Healy levelling the scores nine minutes into the second half.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw until the third minute of added time. Substitute Scott, who had only entered the fray three minutes earlier, found the net to snatch all three points for his side. The goal came precisely in the 93rd minute, securing the win.
Disciplinary battle
The match was a physical affair, with three yellow cards shown. Cliftonville's Wilson was booked early for a foul in the ninth minute. Portadown's Isamala and Flanagan also saw yellow in the second half as the tension rose.
Both managers utilised their benches in the latter stages. Portadown introduced Fyfe, Towe, and Falls, while Cliftonville brought on experienced forwards Gormley and Conlan in search of a winner.
The result ends a run of two consecutive league defeats for Portadown, following losses to Bangor and Ballymena United. This win lifts them to 11th, though they remain 26 points behind the league leaders, Coleraine FC. Attention now turns to a tough test against Linfield at Shamrock Park.
Manager David Jeffrey said his side are "building slowly but surely" after Saturday's win. He told reporters it was a tough night and praised the impact of substitutes. The victory, Portadown's second in five games, lifts them to 11th with eight points from 12 matches. They have now scored 10 goals this season. Jeffrey highlighted the integration of eight or nine summer signings as a factor in their gradual progress.
