Dankse Bank Premiership Round-up 16th April

Crusaders inched even closer to retaining their Dankse Bank Premiership title after a hard fought victory away to Glenavon on Saturday afternoon.

The North Belfast side now only need one win from their remaining three games to secure the title and could seal their crown on Tuesday evening with a victory over derby rivals Cliftonville. Linfield ensured that the title race was extended into the final fortnight of the season with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Coleraine at the National Stadium.

The Crues had goalkeeper Sean O’Neill to thank in the first half on Saturday as he made two superb saves from Derry GAA star Eoin Bradley to keep the scores level. After the break Crusaders took control and Jordan Owens rose unmarked to head home Gavin Whyte’s free kick on 55 minutes to earn another vital three points for Stephen Baxter’s men.

Linfield maintained their slim hopes of the title after 3-0 victory over Coleraine at The National Stadium but remain eight points behind the Crues with only three games left. A first half brace from Kirk Millar along with a goal from Jimmy Callagher gave the Blues a comfortable victory.

In the other game in the top six, Glentoran defeated Cliftonville 2-0 at Solitude to move within three points of fifth place Coleraine. Second half goals from Marcus Kane and Curtis Allen gave the Glens the points. Despite the defeat Cliftonville remain in third place one point ahead of Glenavon.  

In the battle to avoid relegation, Ballinamallard United claimed a massive three points following a home victory over Warrenpoint Town at Ferney Park. The Mallards goals came from Shane McCabe and Ryan Campbell in the second half, with both sides reduced to ten men. Warrenpoint remain bottom with three games left but are still only four points from safety, while the Mallards move up to tenth.

Carrick Rangers replaced Ballinamallard in the Relegation Play Off position following a 2-0 home defeat to Ballymena United. Goals in each half from David Cushley and Michael Ruddy, meant that Ballymena United remain unbeaten under new manager David Jeffrey and look set to claim a place in the end of season Europa League Play Offs.

In the final game of the day Portadown were sucked further into the relegation fight following another home defeat to Dungannon Swifts. A brace from striker Andrew Mitchell put the Swifts in control, although Nathaniel Ferris pulled a goal back for the Ports it wasn’t enough. The Ports now face a nervous end to the season as they are now just three points above Carrick Rangers who they face on Tuesday evening.