Irish Premiership: Cliftonville 4-1 Glentoran

Premiership leaders Cliftonville restored their six-point lead at the top after an impressive win over Glentoran at a rain-lashed Solitude.

Stephen Carson swept in an early opener for the Glens but George McMullan levelled with a 43rd minute volley.

The hosts dominated the second half and McMullan headed in from a free-kick before a cool finish from Liam Boyce made it 3-1 after 80 minutes.

Cliftonville striker Liam Boyce celebrates after making it 3-1 at Solitude

Substitute Tomas Cosgrove nipped in to add a fourth in injury time.

Cliftonville made a bright start with keeper Elliott Morris keeping out shots from Martin Donnelly and Ryan Catney.

The breakthrough came with Glentoran's first serious attack on 13 minutes, Andy Waterworth skipping past his marker and providing a low cross for Carson to steer home.

The winger almost scored a second when his rasping 25-yard drive clipped the top of the bar.

Glentoran lost Calum Birney and Richard Clarke to injury but they were firm in defence until McMullan's equaliser.

Carson sliced his clearance straight at the full-back, who fired first-time into the bottom corner.

The goal galvanised the Reds and an unmarked McMullan headed in from an inswinging Donnelly free-kick to put the pacesetters in front.

Reds striker Joe Gormley fired just over before Waterworth came close to equalising when his low shot struck a post.

Glens midfielder Marcus Kane sent a header wide while Cliftonville substitute Diarmuid O'Carroll saw his attempted chip drift wide.

Boyce showed typical class by intercepting Jay Magee's backpass before rounding Morris and slotting in.

It was a landmark night for Cosgrove, who hit the net from Donnelly's cross to register his first goal for the club.

Tommy Breslin's side also has a game in hand on second-placed Crusaders and champions Linfield, who are a further four points back.