Linfield cut the gap with five-star Stangmore show

Linfield swept past Dungannon Swifts 5-0 on Friday night in the Irish Premiership

Chris McKee and Ethan Devine had David Healy's side two to the good at the interval. Then three goals in six second half minutes from Joel Cooper, Devine and Kirk Millar sealed the win.

On Saturday afternoon Larne were frustrated when they were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Coleraine. Aaron Jarvis was dismissed with 25 minutes to go, but Tiernan Lynch's side could not make their numerical superiority count in the closing stages.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Crusaders defeated Carrick Rangers 3-0. Ross Clarke put Stephen Baxter's side ahead.

Jordan Owens then made it 2-0, with Declan Caddell getting the final touch to a third goal as Rangers desperately tried to clear.

Cliftonville made it back to winning ways with a 2-1 success at the Showgrounds over Newry City.

Ronan Hale struck with 15 minutes to go, before Donal Scullion levelled just minutes later.

But the visitors took the points back to north Belfast courtesy of Ryan Curran's 81st minute effort.

Ballymena United's match with Glenavon was postponed due to an unplayable pitch.