Another weekend of Premiership action delivered plenty of drama, with Coleraine continuing their impressive start, Limavady picking up a huge first win of the season and Linfield extending their winning run to five games.
Coleraine 3-2 Ballymena United (Friday)
Coleraine maintained their position at the top of the Premiership, but they were made to work for it in a dramatic A26 derby at the Showgrounds.
Matthew Shevlin opened the scoring before Jay Henderson produced another moment of quality with a superb strike from distance to put the Bannsiders two goals ahead.
Ballymena looked a different side after the break, though. James Hood pulled one back before Chris McKee levelled from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining.
Coleraine responded immediately. Ben Doherty’s corner was met by Aidan Wilson, whose header secured another huge three points for Oran Kearney’s side.
It was another statement of intent from Coleraine, who showed that they can win in different ways. Ballymena will take encouragement from their second-half performance, but will be disappointed to have left with nothing after fighting their way back into the game.
Carrick Rangers 1-3 Cliftonville
Cliftonville came from behind to secure an impressive victory at Taylors Avenue.
Caleb Hawthorne gave Carrick an early lead after reacting quickest to Aidan Steele’s effort off the crossbar, but the Reds responded almost immediately through Kyle McClelland.
Ben Quinn then completed the turnaround before the half-hour mark with an excellent individual goal, and Carrick were left to rue a number of missed opportunities in the second half.
The home side struck the post, had a goal ruled out for offside and missed a golden chance late on before Dean McMaster sealed the victory with a superb free-kick.
It was an impressive response from Cliftonville, particularly away from home. Their young side continues to show plenty of promise, while Carrick will feel this was a game in which they had opportunities to take something.
Crusaders 1-2 Limavady United
Limavady United picked up their first points of the Premiership season in impressive fashion with a huge victory away to Crusaders.
Philip Lowry opened the scoring with a superb volley after good work from Alfie Gaston, before Jamie McGonigle doubled the advantage shortly after the restart.
Crusaders eventually responded through a brilliant individual effort from Elliot Dunlop and pushed hard for an equaliser, with Harry Jewitt-White hitting the crossbar.
Limavady held firm, though, to see out a deserved first win of the campaign.
It is a massive result for Paul Owens’ side after showing glimpses of promise without getting the results to match. For Crusaders, it is a disappointing setback after their positive start to the season.
Glentoran 1-1 Bangor
Bangor continued to show signs of improvement as they earned a deserved point away to Glentoran.
The Seasiders made the brighter start and eventually took the lead through Lewis Francis shortly before half-time, following good work from Tiarnan Mulvenna.
Glentoran responded after the break and levelled through James Douglas, although there was a huge slice of fortune involved as his long-range strike came back off the crossbar and rebounded off Bangor goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan.
The Glens pushed for a winner but could not find a way through.
For Bangor, it is another encouraging result after their recent improvement in performances. Glentoran, meanwhile, will be disappointed not to have found a winner at home and their inconsistent start continues.
Portadown 0-2 Larne
Larne continued to build momentum with an impressive victory away to Portadown – despite playing more than an hour with ten men.
Tomas Cosgrove capitalised on a defensive mistake to give Larne an early lead, but the champions were dealt a major blow when Kevin O’Hara was sent off.
Rather than allowing Portadown back into the game, Larne remained composed and doubled their lead through Sean Graham after excellent work from Matthew Lusty.
Portadown struggled to make their numerical advantage count and missed a huge late opportunity through Ahu Obhakhan.
It is another impressive result for Larne, who have now won three consecutive league matches. For Portadown, the wait for their first point of the season goes on.
Dungannon Swifts 0-1 Linfield
Linfield made it five league wins in a row, but they had to wait until the 82nd minute to break Dungannon’s resistance at Stangmore Park.
The Swifts arguably had the better chances during the first half, with Junior, Sean McAllister and Paul Doyle all denied by Chris Johns and the Linfield defence.
The Blues grew into the game after the break and created several opportunities of their own, with Kieran Offord particularly unfortunate to be denied by Declan Dunne.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Kyle McClean produced a moment of brilliance. After being found by Dylan Wells, he curled a superb effort into the top corner to secure all three points.
It was a huge win for Linfield against one of the league’s form sides. Dungannon will be disappointed after creating several excellent opportunities, but Rodney McAree’s side once again showed why they are capable of competing with anyone in the division.
