Larne cut the gap on leaders Cliftonville with victory at Glentoran on Saturday

Cliftonville's Levi Ives celebrates after scoring a free kick
Author: Chris BrennanPublished 14th Jan 2023
Last updated 14th Jan 2023

Larne secured a crucial 1-0 win on Saturday in east Belfast against Glentoran in the Danske Bank Premiership.

The result heaped more pressure on Glens boss Mick McDermott.

For the visitors however, it was a key result - Lee Bonis scoring the winner just after the hour to send Larne back to within one point of Cliftonville.

That was after the Reds had gone four points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership after Friday night's 3-3 draw at Carrick Rangers.

Levi Ives had put the visitors ahead with a wonderful free-kick into the top corneer.

However David Cushley brought Rangers back level. The visitors lead was restored after a superb effort from Sean Moore.

And Ronan Hale made the advantage 1-3 at the interval.

However Carrick produced a stirring second-half comeback - Kyle Cherry finished from Ben Tilney's cross and then Lloyd Anderson scored a dramatic last-minute equaliser.

Back to Saturday's action and Linfield were on the goal trail at Mourneview Park, with a 1-6 win over Glenavon.

The champions are third, two points behind Larne - Chris Shields' netted twice for David Healy's side from the spot.

Crusaders were 3-1 winners over Newry City, headers from Dean Ebbe and Jordan Owens, and a wonderful Jordan Forsythe goal enough for Stephen Baxter's men - Declan Carville's penalty was City's response.

Coleraine saw off Portadown 4-1 at the Showgrounds. Oran Kearney's side are now unbeaten in 11 games.

Greg Moorhouse had fired the Ports into a shock lead, but goals from Rodney Brown, Matthew Shevlin, Conor McKendry and Michael McCrudden sealed a comfortable win.

Ballymena United defeated Dungannon Swifts 2-0 - through goals from Andy McCrory from the penalty spot, and Davy McDaid.