Dankse Bank Premiership Round Up 12th March

Linfield closed the gap on leaders Crusaders at the top of the Dankse Bank Premiership table to five points, following a comprehensive 3-0 derby victory over rivals Glentoran, while across town leaders Crusaders drew 0-0 at home to Ballymena United.

Former Sligo Rovers and Cork City defender Ross Gaynor was once again on the score sheet for the Blues netting a double while Aaron Burns got a third goal for David Healey’s side. Glentoran finished the game with ten men after Callum Birney was sent off as Alan Kernaghan’s side remain in sixth position.

The clash between leaders Crusaders and Ballymena United marked the return of former Linfield manager David Jeffrey to Irish League management after a break away from the game. He will have been pleased as his new side held the leaders to a goalless draw and gained a valuable point as they aim to move away from the relegation places.

Portadown began life after Ronnie McFall with a 1-0 home defeat to Coleraine. McFall resigned last week after 29 years in charge following the Ports shock Irish Cup defeat to Championship side Lurgan Celtic. Former Manchester United and Wigan defender Pat McGibbon has taken control until the end of the season and will be assisted by legendary Portadown striker Vinny Arkins. Coleraine’s solitary goal came from Rodney Brown as they stay in fifth position just three points behind third placed Cliftonville.

Dungannon Swifts and Cliftonville played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Stangmore Park. The point leaves Dungannon in eighth place just one point behind Portadown and the Swifts will fancy their chances of achieving that 7^th place finish which would see them enter the end of season Europa League Play Offs. Andrew Mitchell scored twice for the home side while Darren Murray netted a brace for Cliftonville.

At the bottom of the table Warrenpoint Town’s New Year revival came to an end after a 3-1 home defeat to Glenavon. Former Drogheda United striker Fabio O’Brien scored twice for Gary Hamilton’s men with Mark Sykes getting the third. Liam Bagnall scored Warrenpoint’s goal as they remain bottom of the table now two points behind Carrick Rangers.

Carrick moved a further point clear of Warrenpoint following their ‘home’ draw with Ballinamallard United. With their ongoing pitch problems, the NIFL ordered Carrick to play the game at Sollitude, home of Cliftonville, much to the anger of the Carrick officials. Rangers took the lead through Miguel Chines but the Mallards equalised through former Cork City striker Stephen O’Flynn. The Mallards remain two points ahead of Carrick in the table.