The second weekend of Premiership action delivered plenty more talking points, with two sides maintaining perfect starts and the first major derby of the season producing a much-needed Linfield response.
Cliftonville continued their winning run, while Carrick Rangers also made it two victories from two. Coleraine and Larne cancelled each other out in a cagey title clash, while Crusaders came from behind to beat Ballymena United. At the other end, Limavady United and Portadown are still searching for their first point.
Bangor 0-3 Cliftonville
Cliftonville made it two wins from two with a convincing victory over Bangor at Clandeboye Park. The hosts started brightly, with Steven McCullough and Lewis Harrison both going close, but Kyle McClelland put the Reds ahead after 17 minutes with a powerful finish.
Ben Quinn doubled Cliftonville’s advantage on the stroke of half-time, following up after his initial effort hit the post. Bangor goalkeeper Garth Deane then made several excellent saves to keep his side in the game, but Liam McStravick sealed the points with a superb strike into the top corner 10 minutes from time.
Coleraine 0-0 Larne
There was nothing to separate two of the Premiership’s title favourites as Coleraine and Larne played out a goalless draw at the Showgrounds. Coleraine enjoyed plenty of possession and created several good opportunities, with Joel Cooper and Matthew Shevlin both coming close.
Larne also had chances, with Matthew Lusty denied by an excellent save from Lewis Webb, who was outstanding in the Coleraine goal. The goalkeeper produced another fine stop to deny Conor McKendry late on, while Montel Gibson missed a big chance to win it in the closing stages.
A point apiece leaves Coleraine unbeaten after two games, while Larne began their league campaign with a clean sheet.
Crusaders 2-1 Ballymena United
Crusaders came from behind to secure their first points of the season against Ballymena United at Seaview. Igor Rutkowski gave the visitors an early lead, but Owen Wardell levelled before half-time after his effort took a deflection.
Wardell then completed the turnaround shortly before the break with his second of the afternoon. Ballymena pushed for an equaliser and thought they had found it in the closing stages when Chris McKee smashed the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out.
The Sky Blues were left frustrated as Crusaders held on for a first victory of the campaign.
Limavady United 1-2 Carrick Rangers
Carrick Rangers made it two wins from two with a hard-fought victory at Limavady Showgrounds. Paul Heatley continued his remarkable start to the season by opening the scoring for the second consecutive week, lifting the ball over Marty Gallagher after getting in behind the Limavady defence.
Aidan Steele doubled Carrick’s advantage shortly before half-time, but Limavady responded quickly after the break as Alfie Gaston pulled one back. The hosts pushed strongly for an equaliser, with Philip Lowry hitting the crossbar and Oisin Duffy forcing a good save from Nathan Gartside.
Carrick held on to maintain their perfect start, while Limavady were left to rue several missed opportunities.
Linfield 2-1 Glentoran
Linfield claimed the Big Two bragging rights with a 2-1 victory over Glentoran at Windsor Park, providing a much-needed response to last week’s heavy defeat.
Darragh Leahy headed the Blues in front in the first half before Kirk Millar doubled their advantage after his initial effort hit the crossbar. Glentoran pulled one back through Jordan Stewart with four minutes of normal time remaining, setting up a tense finish.
The Glens’ hopes of a comeback were dealt a further blow moments later when Stewart was sent off for a late tackle. Linfield held on to secure a significant victory and their first points of the season.
Portadown 0-1 Dungannon Swifts
Dungannon Swifts picked up their first points of the season with a narrow victory over Portadown at Shamrock Park. The visitors started strongly and deservedly took the lead after 14 minutes, with Kris Lowe finishing from close range after Aaron McCarey had saved Sean McAllister’s initial effort.
Portadown grew into the game and came close through Baris Altintop, who struck the post, while James Teelan also threatened. Declan Dunne made a smart save to deny Dominic Dos Santos Martins after the break as the hosts searched for an equaliser.
Dungannon survived late pressure and held on for a valuable away victory, leaving Portadown still searching for their first point of the season.
