Carrick Rangers forward Paul Heatley said he hopes his injury against Bangor on Saturday will highlight the urgent need to release funding to clubs to upgrade stadium facilities across Northern Ireland.

The 38-year-old collided with the wall surrounding the pitch at Taylors Avenue eight minutes into the second half of his side's Irish Premiership game.

Carrick were one of 20 clubs who progressed to the next stage in a bid to secure a slice of the Northern Ireland Football Fund.

Posting on social media on Monday, Heatley called for "immediate funding" to be released to Irish League clubs to ensure "nothing like this ever happens to any player in the future".

"Thank you to everyone for all the messages of support from my own club and team-mates to the wider footballing community it has been truly incredible," he said.

"I hope this incident highlights the need for immediate funding to be released for Irish League clubs to provide a proper, safe environment for players, staff and supporters, to ensure nothing like this ever happens to any player in the future.

"With power comes responsibility, so for those in power and authority around the Irish league, welfare and funding, the responsibility lies with you."

Image source, Pacemaker

Image source, Press Eye

Coleraine beat Portadown 4-1 at Shamrock Park on Saturday to extend their unbeaten record at the start the season to six matches and reduce their deficit to Premiership leaders Glentoran to one point.

Two goals from Will Patching, the first a penalty, plus strikes from Matthew Shevlin and Joel Cooper, made it five wins a draw for the Bannsiders, who have one game in hand over the league pacesetters.

Larne recorded a fourth consecutive win on a 1-0 scoreline thanks to Matthew Ridley's headed goal to maintain their challenge in third spot while Crusaders ran out convincing 3-0 winners at Dungannon Swifts to halt their recent poor run of form.

A thrilling encounter at Solitude saw Cliftonville secure a last-gasp 3-2 win over 10-man Ballymena United thanks to Jack Keaney's free-kick deep in stoppage time.

The match between Carrick Rangers and Bangor at Taylors Avenue was abandoned with 53 minutes played after Paul Heatley collided heavily with a perimeter wall while trying to keep the ball in play.

Thankfully, the Carrick forward as now been discharged from hospital.

On Friday, Chris Shields' penalty helped Linfield to a 1-1 draw with rivals Glentoran at the Oval.

BBC iPlayer

Image source, Inpho

Evening, all.

We've two games for you this evening for some Tuesday night football.

You can watch Ballymena United take on Linfield live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Thomas Kane is on commentary and will be joined by the familiar voice of David Jeffrey, who had successful spells managing both teams.

We'll also have live updates and goal clips from both games right here on the BBC Sport app and website, so you'll be able to stay right up to date whether you are at home or out and about.

Thanks for joining us.