Football: Crues up to second after breattaking win over Glens
Linfield up to third, while Ballymena hammer Cliftonville
Second-placed Cliftonville failed to close the gap on Danske Bank Premiership leaders Larne this afternoon.
They were soundly beaten 4-1 away to Ballymena United with a brace from former Reds striker David McDaid, Kym Nelson and Josh Kelly getting the goals for David Jeffrey's home side in a resounding victory. Ronan Hale got the consolation goal for the visitors.
Elsewhere, Crusaders got the better of Glentoran 3-2 in a scintillating encounter at Seaview.
Adam Lecky and Chris Hegarty scored for the home side either side of a Danny Purkis reply for the Glens in the first half. While Jay Donnelly did level after the break for Mick McDermott's side, Hegarty notched his second, which proved to be the winner.
Linfield moved up into third spot in the table by virtue of a 3-1 home win over Carrick Rangers.
A first half double from Finnish striker Eetu Vertainen set the ball rolling for David Healy's men, before Ben Tilney pulled one back for Carrick. However, Robbie McDaid kept Linfield's good recent run for form going with the third goal late on.
In the other tie played today, Coleraine eased to a 2-0 home win against Dungannon Swifts. Both goals came early on courtesy of Matthew Shevlin and Conor McDermott.
There's one game tomorrow with Newry City AFC taking on bottom side Portadown at The Showgrounds.
Niall Currie will be aiming to ensure his Ports side finally pick up their first league win of the campaign, while City hope to close the gap on ninth-placed Glenavon to just two points if they can get their sixth victory of the season.
Kick-off is at 2pm.