Should Jordan Stewart have been sent off?
Larne picked up their first Premiership win of the campaign against Glentoran on Friday night, with second-half goals from Sean Graham and Matthew Lusty ensuring there was no European hangover.
The main talking point, however, came in the first half when Jordan Stewart was only shown a yellow card by referee Tony Clarke following a full-blooded challenge on Larne captain Tomas Cosgrove.
Stewart, returning from suspension, slid in with his studs showing and was arguably fortunate to remain on the pitch. Larne boss Gary Haveron certainly had no doubt, saying: “I have no idea how he stays on the pitch.”
Ruthless start from Coleraine
Coleraine’s blistering start to the season continued as they moved onto 13 points from a possible 15 with another emphatic victory.
The Bannsiders were 3-0 ahead inside just eight minutes against Crusaders, with Senan Devine, Jay Henderson and Matthew Shevlin all finding the net before Devine added his second after the break.
It has been an excellent opening to the campaign for Coleraine, who look good value for their position at the top of the table.
For Crusaders, the major positive came late on as 15-year-old Liverpool-bound Michael Mulholland came off the bench on his debut to score a consolation.
Portadown’s woes continue
Saturday’s 3-1 defeat away to Cliftonville means Portadown have now lost their opening five league matches, with six consecutive defeats in all competitions.
It is clearly not the start David Jeffrey would have wanted, and the question now is how long this new side will be given to gel. There is quality within the squad, and players such as Ben Kennedy have shown what they can do at this level before.
But Portadown need to start performing and, more importantly, picking up points soon.
Bangor refuse to give in
Bangor finally got their first league point of the season, and they had to work incredibly hard for it.
Ballymena United raced into a two-goal lead through Josh Archer and Matthew Clarke, but the Seasiders refused to give in. Lewis Francis pulled one back early in the second half before substitute Tiernan Mulvenna struck a dramatic late equaliser.
It could prove to be a really important point for Lee Feeney’s side, particularly after such a difficult start to the campaign.
Dungannon Swifts and Linfield continue winning runs
Dungannon Swifts and Linfield both made it four league wins in a row with solid performances away from home and at Windsor Park respectively.
Dungannon travelled to Limavady knowing the threat the hosts could pose but produced another professional display, with goalkeeper Declan Dunne also making important contributions when required.
Linfield eventually overcame Carrick Rangers 1-0, although Nathan Gartside’s inspired performance in goal ensured the margin remained narrow.
Both Rodney McAree and David Healy will be delighted with their sides’ response to opening-day defeats – and they now meet in what promises to be a fascinating game on Saturday evening.
Plenty of goals in the Championship
The Championship continues to deliver entertainment.
There were 33 goals across eight games this weekend – more than four per game – with drama and standout results throughout the division.
Newry City will have been disappointed to only draw at home to Armagh City, Dundela picked up their first win of the season against Glenavon, while Ballinamallard United produced arguably the result of the weekend by putting six past previously unbeaten Loughgall.
At the top, Newington continued their excellent start with another important away victory against Warrenpoint Town.
