Glentoran go second as Glenavon and Coleraine win

Glentoran are 10 points behind leaders Linfield having played a game more

Glentoran have moved into second place in the Irish Premiership table with a 2-0 victory away to Portadown.

Jordan Jenkins scored both goals at Shamrock Park as the Glens moved 10 points behind leaders Linfield, having played a game more.

Glenavon's good run of form under Paddy McLaughlin continued as they defeated nine-man Ballymena United 1-0.

Coleraine beat bottom side Loughgall 3-1 at Lakeview Park while Carrick Rangers and Crusaders played out a goalless draw at Taylors Avenue.

The games took place with a sombre backdrop following the death of Cliftonville and former Linfield defender Michael Newberry, who passed away on Monday at the age of 27.

Cliftonville's match with Dungannon Swifts and Linfield game against Larne were postponed following the news.

There was a minute's silence at the four matches that went ahead as the Irish League paid tribute to Newberry.

Jenkins sends Glens into second place

The Glens' victory over Portadown sees them extend their unbeaten run to six games and move up to second spot in the league table.

Glentoran started brightly, and after putting Portadown under pressure for the first 25 minutes, they got their rewards when Jenkins latched onto a long ball from the imperious Fuad Sule and beat Jamie Ray with a superb half-volley to open the scoring.

The Ports grew into the game and almost equalised when Ahu Obhakhan's spectacular overhead kick flew just over the bar.

The key phase of the game came midway through the second half, when Portadown came inches away from levelling when Baris Altintop's headed effort from Steven McCullough's free grazed the crossbar.

Instead, Glentoran doubled their advantage at the other end. Lewis MacKinnon tripped David Fisher in the box and Jenkins stepped up to the spot to fire into the roof of the net beyond Ray, who was deputising for the suspended Aaron McCarey.

The Glens cruised home from there, and despite missing several chances to increase their winning tally, Declan Devine will be very pleased with his side's professional performance.

Glenavon see off nine-man Ballymena

Ballymena had a great chance inside the opening five minutes as Andy Scott's low cross from the right went to Alex Gawne at the back post, but his shot was well saved by the outstretched boot of Glenavon keeper Mark Byrne.

At the other end, James Donna cut inside from the right flank and his curling shot was inches wide of Sean O'Neill's far post.

Glenavon broke the deadlock on 55 minutes when United defender Stephen O'Donnell failed to cut out Len O'Sullivan's through ball and Michael O'Connor was able to release Peter Campbell, whose shot went into the net off keeper O'Neill.

Ballymena had penalty appeals waved away when Ben Kennedy went down under a challenge from O'Sullivan.

Instead it was Glenavon who were awarded a spot kick on 68 minutes after referee Shane McGonigle deemed that Kym Nelson's sliding tackle on O'Connor was illegal.

McDaid's initial spot kick was saved by O'Neill but O'Connor was able to head the rebound back into the striker's path to nod home, with Ballymena manager Jim Ervin's protests earning him a red card.

Ballymena ended the match with nine men as defender Sean Brown was shown a straight red card for a tackle on O'Sullivan before Nelson was dimissed for a second yellow card for a lunge on David Toure.

Glenavon remain tenth but move further clear of relegation danger and Ballymena stay sixth.

Coleraine hit back at Loughgall

A strong second half showing from Coleraine earned a 3-1 win over Loughgall at Lakeview Park.

Jamie McGonigle blasted high over the crossbar for Coleraine after being set up by Kyle Spence while Matthew Shevlin's overhead kick went the wrong side of the post minutes later.

At the other end, Rory Brown proved his worth when he raced out of his goal to deny Daire Kelly after he got in behind the Coleraine defence.

But the visitors' keeper was powerless to prevent the hosts grabbing the lead on the half hour.

Referee Mark Dillon eventually awarded Loughgall a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area and Conor McCloskey did the rest as he curled the ball high into the top corner for his first goal of the season.

The visitors started on the front foot after the restart and they were rewarded for their efforts when Matthew Shevlin reacted quickest to touch home after Dylan Boyle's shot had been blocked.

Shevlin had the chance to score a second minutes later from the penalty spot after Jamie Glackin had been upended in the box but his spot-kick was well saved by Nathan Gartside.

Coleraine did hit the front just after the hour as Glackin stooped low to head home Ciaron Harkin's cross at the near post.

The points were finally secured three minutes from the end thanks to second-half sub' Rhyss Campbell, who blasted home from a narrow angle after McGonigle had earlier struck the post.

Carrick and Crusaders draw

It was a slow start to the game but Paul Heatley did have a half chance in the opening 15 minutes for Carrick Rangers, but he fired wide after controlling a throw-in.

The best chance of the game came in the 32nd minute when Danny Gibson played the ball down the right wing for Seanan Clucas, whose delivery into the box was headed just wide by Emmett McGuckin.

It was a more even second half and Jarlath O'Rourke was unable to keep his shot on target after he had connected with Ross Clarke's short corner.

In the 66th minute Crusaders were able to clear the danger out of the box but only as far as Kyle Cherry, who sent his effort just over the crossbar from 25 yards.

Shortly after, Clucas' strike was deflected to safety after Paul Heatley's mishit effort caused a scramble in the penalty area.

The home side dominated the final 15 minutes, but were unable to find a way past Jonathan Tuffey, which means Carrick have now drawn 0-0 for three consecutive games.

Irish Premiership results

Ballymena United 0-2 Glenavon

Carrick Rangers 0-0 Crusaders

Cliftonville -P- Dungannon Swifts

Linfield -P- Larne

Loughgall 1-3 Coleraine

Portadown 0-2 Glentoran