Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton said that the "effort and desire" of his players to get a result against Crusaders must be applauded.

Joe Gormley scored what proved to be the winner with a well-taken first half finish, with the Reds forced to defend deep in the second half to hang on for the win.

Magilton was delighted with the grit shown to grind out a third successive league win.

"Credit to Crusaders they really forced the issue, we had to defend for our lives, we had character and resilience, and I'm delighted with the three points," he told BBC Sport NI.

Magilton was however, frustrated that Cliftonville squandered numerous opportunities to put the game to bed.

"If we had taken one or two of our chances it might have been an easier night," he added.

"I knew Crusaders would provide a real attacking threat but some of our play was really pleasing, we just didn't take our chances."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

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

Coleraine’s home advantage could give them the edge in a tight game. Rodney McAree's men have impressed with their young, talented squad, and have become a surprise package this season. Despite Dungannon's form, Coleraine have a nice brand of football and might just edge this one.

Prediction: 2-1

Glentoran v Larne (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound)

Tough game to call. Larne’s form has been up and down and with pressure on the squad due to European defeats and squad rotation, they haven't been able to find their rhythm. On their day though, they can beat anyone. Declan Devine will be pushing to secure points on Saturday at home, hoping to build some momentum.

Prediction: 1-1

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

A massive game for both teams at the other end of the table. Loughgall have a confidence boost from last week's win, and Glenavon have had good results against some top sides. Sometimes they need to turn draws into wins and they'll be looking to do that this weekend.

Prediction: 1-1

Carrick Rangers v Linfield (Sunday, 12:30 GMT)

Carrick Rangers have seen a turn in form since Stephen Baxter came in, and their results reflect that. Linfield however, with their depth and experience, are known to bounce back strongly after a defeat. I expect Linfield to go out and win in a competitive game.

Prediction: 1-2

Don't forget to join Ballymena United player Colin Coates with Michael McNamee on this weekend's Sportsound programme on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Ulster and the BBC Sport website from 14:00 GMT on Saturday.

Image source, BBC Sport

Just the three games in the Irish Premiership today.

Image source, Inpho

Larne will hope to make up ground in the early title race as the travel to face Glentoran in east Belfast.

Tiernan Lynch's side have picked up just one point from their last three league games and they also suffered a 4-1 defeat by Shamrock Rovers in the Uefa Conference League.

A spectacular late winner from Shay McCartan saw Larne slip to a 2-1 defeat at Shamrock Park in their last outing.

The sit 11 points behind pacesetters Linfield although they have three games in hand.

Glentoran are three places above Larne in sixth and they also aiming to bounce back after losing 2-1 at Coleraine last Saturday.

The Oval showdown is the pick of today's three games but there's also the Bannsiders hosting Dungannon Swifts and bottom side Loughgall and taking on Glenavon.

We'll bring you radio and text commentary along with in-play clips.

Thanks for joining us.

Image source, Press Eye