Pressure building on Declan Devine
After just six games, Glentoran already sit nine points behind leaders Coleraine – and that gap could stretch to 12 when the sides meet on Tuesday night.
Given the investment and expectations surrounding the Oval in recent seasons, it has been a hugely disappointing start. Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Bangor felt particularly bleak, with supporters making their frustrations clear through boos at both half-time and full-time.
Coach Tim McCann pointed towards the players after the game, but acknowledged that results ultimately fall on the manager and coaching staff. Glentoran need to turn things around quickly – because the pressure on Declan Devine is only increasing.
Coleraine continue to set the pace
Another week, another victory for Coleraine.
This time they were made to work for it, eventually overcoming Ballymena United 3-2 in Friday night’s A26 derby. Matthew Shevlin and Jay Henderson had the Bannsiders cruising at the break, but Ballymena fought back to level through James Hood and Chris McKee.
Coleraine responded immediately, though, with Aidan Wilson heading home the winner. Six games, 16 points and top of the table – the Bannsiders continue to set the pace.
Linfield extend winning run
Linfield have now won five league games in a row following Saturday’s 1-0 victory away to Dungannon Swifts.
The hosts arguably had the better chances in the first half, but Linfield stayed in the game and eventually found their winner through Kyle McClean’s brilliant late strike.
It is a remarkable turnaround from the mood following the opening-day defeat to Ballymena. Five wins later – including victories over several sides expected to challenge towards the top end – David Healy’s side have firmly found their rhythm.
Cliftonville pick up another three points
Cliftonville moved up to third with an impressive 3-1 victory away to Carrick Rangers.
The home side took an early lead through debutant Caleb Hawthorne, despite missing several key players, but the Reds responded well. Kyle McClelland levelled before Ben Quinn completed the turnaround, with Dean McMaster sealing the points late on with a superb free-kick.
It was another encouraging performance from Jim Magilton’s young side, who continue to show plenty of promise early in the campaign.
Limavady win for the first time
Limavady United finally have their first points of the Premiership season after an impressive 2-1 victory away to Crusaders.
Former Crusaders players Philip Lowry and Jamie McGonigle did the damage at Seaview, putting Limavady two goals ahead before Elliot Dunlop pulled one back.
It has been a difficult start for Paul Owens’ side, but this could be a significant moment. As Owens put it: “We’re trying to fly a plane while we build it.” Saturday’s result suggests they may finally be starting to get things moving.
Larne continue to build momentum
Larne continued to build momentum with a 2-0 victory away to Portadown – despite playing more than an hour with ten men.
Tomas Cosgrove had already given the champions the lead when Kevin O’Hara was sent off after 26 minutes. However, a couple of tactical changes at half-time helped Larne regain control, with Sean Graham adding a second.
Gary Haveron’s side are beginning to find their rhythm after their European disappointment and have now put together a strong run of results. Portadown, meanwhile, remain pointless after six league games.
The Championship delivers again
The Championship continues to produce absolute chaos.
A remarkable 39 goals were scored across eight games, including a 5-5 draw between Newington and Dundela, Institute coming from two goals down to beat Armagh City 5-3 and Warrenpoint Town scoring six against Moyola Park.
At this point, the Championship might genuinely be the most unpredictable league in Northern Ireland – and every weekend seems to provide another batch of goals and drama.
