Danske Bank Premiership Review (August 15 2017)

Just two games into the Danske Bank Premiership season and already the league is dividing itself quite neatly into the haves (points) and have nots.Ro

 

No fewer than five teams sit on maximum points after two rounds of fixtures, with four sides yet to pick up a single point in the 12-team division.

 

Crusaders' free-scoring start to the season continued as they followed up the 4-1 opening day win over Ballymena United with a 5-0 thumping of newly-promoted Warrenpoint Town.

 

Jordan Owens, Paul Heatley and Jordan Forsythe scored within the opening 20 minutes before a Gavin Whyte penalty and Michael Carvill's second-half strike finished the job.

 

 



Glenavon went one further as they ran out 6-2 winners at home to Gavin Dykes' Ballinamallard United.

 

The Mallards took an early lead through former Derry City striker Ryan Curran from the penalty spot but that was as good as it got for the Co Fermanagh side.

 

Rhys Marshall ensured parity at the break before Adam Foley scored a second-half hat-trick and Andrew Mitchell added a brace. Curran notched a second consolation.

 



The champions Linfield are the only team yet to concede a goal in the league and they won 2-0 away at Ards thanks to goals in either half from Mark Haughey and Kirk Millar.

 

Coleraine took three points and a clean sheet from their home tie with Cliftonville at the Showgrounds, Josh Carson and Jamie McGonigle scored in the second half as they won 2-0.

 

 

Glentoran are the final unbeaten side, the Belfast side running out 2-0 victors over Dungannon Swifts at the Oval thanks to second-half goals from John McGuigan and Curtis Allen.

 

And the first draw of the season was played out at Taylor's Avenue, where David Jeffrey's Ballymena United were held to a 1-1 draw by Carrick Rangers.

 

Carrick's Andrew Mooney secured a point for the home side after Denver Gage's own goal early in the second period had given Ballymena the lead.

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