Carrick with a free-kick from the right delivered by Kyle Cherry.

Emmet McGuckin rises well to make the header at the back post but it goes just over the bar.

Best chance so far.

Peter Campbell's cross makes it way through traffic and finds James Doona, who has space in the box but sends his strike wide.

It's been a busy start to the game here!

The first 10 minutes at Solitude have produced little in terms of goalmouth action.

Despite their defensive frailties this season, the visitors have shown good shape and discipline to frustrate a Reds side that put five past them in their last meeting.

Ryan Mayse's delivery from the right flank proves a comfortable save for Gareth Deane as Portadown push for a quick second.

Darren Murphy
Sportsound summariser

It came from nothing but what a finish by Obhakhan, it's really composed and it's a fantastic finish.

Paddy McLaughlin will be gutted because Glenavon had been in control.

Shea Kearney's low cross seeks out Joe Gormley lurking at the far post, but Tiernan Kelly reads the danger well, forcing the ball into Nathan Gartside's grateful arms.

Soft underfoot here in Carrick making a passing game difficult for both sides.

However, with more than two goals scored in the last five meetings between the two sides fans have hope that this will be a high-scoring affair.

Aaron McCarey makes a fingertip save to deflect James Doona's strike from outside the box over the crossbar with Baris Altintop clearing the resulting corner.

It's been a strong start to the game from today's visitors.

Jamie Rea's probing cross from the left flank is smartly blocked by Michael Newberry and sent behind for a corner after Nathaniel Ferris had nodded the ball into his path.

The visitors' early enterprise comes to nothing, though, as their set-piece is comfortably dealt with by the home side.

Andrew Mitchell of Dungannon gets us underway at Taylors Avenue

Here we go at Shamrock Park!

Who will gain bragging rights from this Mid Ulster derby?

Give this post a thumbs up if you think it'll be the home side and react the other way if you think Paddy McLaughlin will win his first league match as Glenavon manager.

Under grey north Belfast skies, referee Jason Barcelo signals the start of what promises to be an intriguing afternoon at Solitude as title-chasing Cliftonville look to pile more misery on struggling Loughgall.

Nathan Rooney has emerged as the favourite to become the new manager of Irish Premiership side Larne.

The Englishman is currently in charge of Gibraltarian team Bruno's Magpies.

Rooney was identified as Larne's number one target following the departure of Tiernan Lynch to become Derry City boss earlier this week.

The 35-year-old has helped improve the fortunes of Magpies, including securing qualification for European club competition.

Rooney's side knocked Derry City out in the first qualifying round of the Uefa Conference League in July, 3-2 the aggregate score, before losing 8-1 over two legs to FC Copenhagen in the next round.

Image source, Neil Wilson

Departing Larne boss Tiernan Lynch says that the timing of his exit from the east Antrim club was "probably perfect" as he prepares to begin a new challenge as manager of League of Ireland Premier Division club Derry City.

Lynch was announced as Ruaidhri Higgins' replacement at the Candystripes on Monday night and brought the curtain down on a remarkable seven and a half years in charge of Larne with a 2-0 BetMcLean Cup last-16 win over Institute on Tuesday night.

The former Cliftonville assistant's time at the helm saw him transform the fortunes of the Invermen from Championship strugglers to back-to-back Irish Premiership champions with the backing of owner Kenny Bruce.

He also made history by guiding Larne to the league stages of the Uefa Conference League during the summer.

After watching his reign end on a high, Lynch reflected that it had been "an unbelievable journey at an unbelievable football club".

"Larne was never going to last forever and I think the timing was probably perfect," he told BBC Sport NI.

"When we looked at our vision seven and a half or eight years ago of what we wanted to do and what we wanted to try and achieve, we were clear in our mind of where we wanted to go.

"In the summer we were able to achieve the last piece of the jigsaw and it’s probably time for a change, for a new voice and give those players something to kick on again and even for our own sake a new challenge, an unbelievable opportunity for us and something we’re very proud and privileged to be asked to be part of."

Image source, Presseye

Linfield manager David Healy felt his side lacked the necessary "composure" in front of goal during their 1-0 defeat to Glentoran at the Oval on Friday night.

The hosts' captain Marcus Kane had smashed in the opener just before half-time but Declan Devine's side were reduced to 10 men with more than half an hour to play when James Douglas was shown a second yellow card.

The Blues piled on the pressure but could not make the most of their dominance in the second half.

"We didn't show enough composure, enough understanding of what type of finish was needed in the final third," Healy said.

"That's the frustration. There were more than enough opportunities to at least get level.

"The players, I feel as if there's enough quality in the final third of the pitch.

"But when it gets to moments like tonight, it's about that split-second decision - do you go hard? Low? High? Whatever type of finish was needed, we didn't get it right tonight."

Image source, Presseye

Glentoran boss Declan Devine praised the character of his team as they held on for 1-0 win over leaders Linfield despite playing for much of the second half with 10 men.

Marcus Kane put the Oval hosts in front late in the first half before teenager James Douglas was dismissed on 58 minutes for two yellow cards.

Linfield pressed for an equaliser but the Glens held firm to earn three points and move up to third.

"It's massively pleasing - we showed great character and a great willingness to dig in," said Devine.

"A really good Linfield team threw everything at us so to keep that clean sheet was massive."

Read more fo what the Glentoran boss had to say after his side's hard-fought win here, external.

Image source, Presseye

Watch highlights as Marcus Kane's goal just before half-time gives Glentoran their second derby win of the season over league leaders Linfield.

Read the report on the match here.

Carrick Rangers v Dungannon Swifts(Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound)

Taylors Avenue is one of the most difficult places to go in the league, and with Stephen Baxter coming in and turning them right around, Carrick seem to have found their feet. Dungannon are certainly worthy of their league place but the conditions and pitch might suit Carrick's experienced players on the day.

Prediction: 2-1

Cliftonville v Loughgall (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound)

Jim Magilton's team have been very good at home this season, backed by Joe Gormley in free-scoring form. You've got to wonder when the tide might turn for Loughgall. This is the last place they want to be going.

Prediction: 3-0

Portadown v Glenavon (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound)

Paddy McLaughlin hasn't had enough time with players on the pitch to have an overall turnaround at Glenavon. With it being a derby, just like ours on the Friday, it's very hard to call.

Prediction: 2-2

Coleraine v Crusaders (Sunday, 12:30 GMT, live text commentary and report on the BBC Sport website)

Fair to say both sides have struggled for consistency in the league. Both teams would be happy with a draw.

Prediction: 1-1

Join Chris with Michael McNamee on Sportsound this Saturday from 14:00 GMT on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website.

Irish Premiership side Coleraine are at risk of having their stadium closed, although the club has said the Showgrounds will be open "as normal" for Sunday's game against Crusaders.

Causeway Coast and Glens Council is preparing to issue legal proceedings and shut down the stands and social club facilities at the club's home ground on Ballycastle Road.

In a letter seen by BBC Sport NI, the council say that the club have failed to provide a structural integrity report since June 2022, which is a requirement under the terms of their safety certificate issued by the council.

BBC Sport NI has also been told that the council has written to the club, and engaged in person, but every deadline to achieve compliance has not been met.

Without a structural appraisal the council say they cannot be satisfied the stadium is structurally safe, and are considering instigating legal proceedings.

In response Coleraine FC said in a statement that they take such matters "very seriously".

"We acknowledge the recent article published by the BBC regarding the structural appraisal involving our organisation.

"Coleraine takes matters of structural integrity and public safety very seriously. We can confirm that we remain in dialogue with Causeway Coast & Glens Council to ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards and the Showgrounds remains open as usual.

"The club looks forward to welcoming fans to The Showgrounds this Sunday as normal."

Image source, Inpho