Larne open up nine point lead with win over Ballymena
Last updated 18th Mar 2023
Andy Ryan scored the only goal of the game as Larne beat Ballymena United 1-0 on Friday night to move nine points clear at the summit of the Irish Premiership.
Ryan's effort on the stroke of half-time proved the difference for Tiernan Lynch's side.
The Inver Park men could have had more, but were wasteful at times in front of goal.
The visitors' disappointment at the result was compounded when goalkeeper Jordan Williamson was given his marching orders in the closing moments.
On Saturday afternoon, Cliftonville suffered a damaging 2-1 home defeat to Dungannon Swifts.
Ronan Hale put the Reds ahead, but they passed up other promising opportunities. They were made to pay when Joseph Moore's injury-time goal sealed the points following Padraig Lynch's leveller.
Joel Cooper scored four as Linfield were in seventh heaven against Newry City. Chris McKee scored a brace with Matthew Clarke's goal making it 7-0.
Glentoran were 4-0 winners at Carrick Rangers - the Glens remain fourth in the table. Carrick however drop to eighth.
Alan O'Sullivan scored late on as Portadown rescued a point from their 2-2 draw with Crusaders - Philip Lowry had put the Crues ahead after Portadown's opener.
Glenavon beat Coleraine 2-1. The Bannsiders took the lead in this one, but strikes from Matthew Fitzpatrick and Michael O'Connor saw the points stay at Mourneview Park.