Irish League Football

Stephen Alexander
BBC Sport NI contributor

Larne missed the opportunity to make inroads into Linfield's lead at the top of the Irish Premiership table as they drew 1-1 with Portadown at Inver Park in the only league fixture of the day.

Both goals came within a three-minute spell in the second half with Andy Ryan's opener for the champions cancelled out by Steven McCullough's equaliser.

The draw keeps Portadown, who had lost four of their previous five top flight outings, in fourth position in the standings.

Larne remain in sixth place, still some 24 points behind leaders Linfield, albeit with six games fewer played.

In a quiet first half, Ryan had an effort chalked off for offside following a quickly-taken free kick.

Larne had an opening when Portadown's offside trap failed from a Mark Randall free-kick but Ports keeper Aaron McCarey was able to dive to his left to comfortably save Tiarnan O'Connor's header.

Larne almost took the lead in the first 60 seconds of the second half when Tomas Cosgrove's cross from the right was met with a powerful header by Sean Graham but McCarey dived to push the effort away before it was scrambled clear.

Substitute Ben Wylie had a shot narrowly deflected wide for Portadown before another Graham header from a Cosgrove cross looped onto the crossbar before being cleared.

But the deadlock was eventually broken on 73 minutes when Dylan Sloan got to the bye-line before brilliantly cutting back a cross which was met by the in-rushing Ryan, whose effort looped over McCarey and into the net.

However, Larne's lead lasted a mere three minutes as Rabby Minzamba's low cross from the right was met by Lewis MacKinnon, whose goalbound effort was blocked but the rebound fell favourably for Steven McCullough to lash home a right-footed shot from inside the penalty area

Larne will play the next of their games in hand on Tuesday night as they make the short journey to Taylors Avenue to face neighbours Carrick Rangers.

Image source, Inpho

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton admitted his side just "managed to find a way" to beat Glenavon 3-2 to seal their place in the Irish Cup quarter-finals.

The holders took the lead through Arran Pettifer in the first half before Michael O'Connor levelled the tie after the break.

Rory Hale thought he had won the game for the home side with a stunning late strike but an error from keeper David Odumosu presented Barney McKeown with a simple finish to force extra-time.

Magilton's side managed to snatch the victory thanks to Jonny Addis' winner in the second half of extra-time.

"With the chances created in the game it could have been 10-9," Magilton told BBC Sport NI after the game.

"I'm surprised we won the game 3-2 as both teams did give up opportunities. It takes all sorts to win a game and today we just managed to find a way."

Next up for Cliftonville is a last eight match-up with north Belfast rivals Crusaders - a tie that the Reds manager is looking forward to.

"Big game, big derby. It's an Irish Cup game so we can look forward to and relish.

"It's going to be a fantastic game, fantastic atmosphere and we've got to go and try and win."

Image source, Inpho

Crusaders have been drawn to host holders and north Belfast derby rivals Cliftonville in the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup.

In another all-Premiership tie, Carrick Rangers will be at home to Dungannon Swifts.

The other last-eight fixtures will see Championship leaders Bangor host Glentoran and another second tier side, Ards, at home to Loughgall.

The matches are scheduled to be played on Friday 28 February and Saturday 1 March.

Image source, Presseye

Glentoran manager Declan Devine said "the players deserve all the credit" after his side edged out Linfield 2-1 after extra-time in a dramatic Irish Cup sixth round tie at the Oval which saw three players sent-off.

Jordan Jenkins opened the scoring for the Glens on 53 minutes before Chris McKee equalised for the Blues on 72.

Momentum swung in Glentoran's favour when Joel Cooper was sent off in extra-time for kicking out at Jonny Russell on the ground.

Substitute Finley Thorndike marked his introduction with a sweet strike from outside the area to seal the hard-fought victory for the Glens.

Linfield's Chris Shields and Glentoran's Joe Thomson were then dismissed late in extra-time after both received second yellow cards.

"This was a very important game for us against our biggest rivals who are in incredible form themselves," said Devine.

"To be as disciplined as were were, we weren't pretty by any stretch but we worked our hearts out.

"The players deserve all the credit. They've bought in to what it takes to play for the club."

Devine expressed relief at securing passage into Saturday's quarter-final draw.

The east Belfast side are undefeated in cup competitions this season, having already clinched the County Antrim Shield and in the final of the BetMcLean Cup.

"We're in the next round, that's all that matters.

"We've got great character in our team, even when we conceded the goal. There were a lot of players running on empty and what a goal to win it.

"But testimony to Linfield too. They're a brilliant team, it was a rip-roaring cup tie and we're delighted to be in the hat."

Image source, Inpho

Glentoran v Linfield (Friday, 19:45 GMT, live on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website from 19:30 GMT)

Declan Devine appears to have given his team a real buzz at present, securing the Country Antrim Shield and that taste of success. Linfield on the other hand, have failed to beat the Glens this year. I think this may be their moment.

Prediction: 1-2 AET

Ballinamallard United v Carrick Rangers (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

It will be a difficult trip to Ferney Park for Carrick Rangers. A good cup run is very possible, given the quality and experience they have backing their side, but I won't expect them to have it easy.

Prediction: 0-1

Dungannon Swifts v Coleraine (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Back-to-back fixtures are always difficult to call, especially following last week's 1-1 draw [in the Irish Premiership], with a last-minute Coleraine equaliser. Dungannon are the Premiership's surprise package of the year, with underrated quality throughout. Both sides tasted regional trophy success as of late and it'll be a difficult one to call. This one could go either way.

Prediction: 2-1

Dollingstown v Loughgall (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

A capable Dollingstown team, who will be hoping to secure promotion to the Championship. Loughgall were unfortunate not to get a result against the Glens [in the Irish Premiership] and now have a welcome distraction from their league campaign. It will be interesting to see how they cope with having the favourites tag.

Prediction: 2-1

Crusaders v Limavady United (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Having knocked out Larne and being well placed in the Championship, this experienced Limavady side have every chance to shock Crusaders, however, I think the Crues, with the home advantage, will be in the hat for the next round.

Prediction: 2-0

Cliftonville v Glenavon (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Cliftonville have won one of their previous league fixtures. A side littered with talent, and they are the cup holders, however Glenavon are on the crest of a wave with four consecutive wins. A tough challenge at Solitude, but I think Glenavon will take the win.

Prediction: 0-1

Bangor v Annagh United (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Two sides that have a real expectation of promotion to the Premiership and are enjoying impressive league campaigns. Annagh have shown confidence in the last three league outings, however, I think Bangor will take it with a late winner.

Prediction: 3-2

Moyola Park v Ards (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Both sides are showing inconsistent form, however, I think the Championship side will progress in the cup.

Prediction: 1-2

Don't forget to join Sean Ward and the rest of the commentary team alongside Michael McNamee on Sportsound this week from 14:00 GMT on Saturday for all the latest from the Irish Cup. Available on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and on the BBC Sport website.

Image source, David Cavan

Coleraine have completed the signing of Scottish striker Declan McManus from Welsh side The New Saints [TNS] for an undisclosed fee.

McManus spent four years with TNS, winning three Welsh Premier titles, two Welsh Cups and one Welsh League Cup.

He twice finished as the league's top goalscorer scoring 24 goals in 2021-22 and 29 in 2022-23.

The 30-year-old helped TNS to become the first Welsh side to reach the group or league stage of any European competition this season.

He played all six games of TNS' Uefa Conference League campaign, scoring in a 2-0 victory against Astana.

The Glasgow born forward becomes Coleraine's fourth arrival in January after the signings of Levi Ives, Ronan Doherty and Paddy Burns.

Bannsiders boss Dean Shiels was pleased to link up once again with McManus, who he played with at Dunfermline.

"I know his qualities and what he can offer. He's a good lad off the pitch, has a great attitude and he will fit in well with the group," Shiels told the club's website.

"Secondly, he's a good player and his goalscoring record in the last few years have been unbelievable.

"Declan is a pure goalscorer and they are worth their weight in gold."

Image source, Getty Images

Irish Premiership side Cliftonville have announced the signing of American striker Eric McWoods.

The 29-year old has had spells in his native USA, Estonia, Hungary and played for Finn Harps in the League of Ireland in 2022.

His most recent club was Sandvikens IF, who play in the Swedish second tier.

Elsewhere, Ballymena United have completed the signing of forward Success Edogun from Finn Harps.

"We're really looking forward to him coming in, joining the group and hopefully he can make his time here a 'success'," said Ballymena manager Jim Ervin.

Edogun, 23, said he was "very excited" to arrive at the Showgrounds.

"As a striker I'm always trying to score goals and help the team as much as I can."

Glenavon, who face Cliftonville in the Irish Cup sixth round on Saturday, have signed Aaron Heaney on loan from Derry City until the end of the season.

Image source, Inpho

Linfield boss David Healy admitted he was "surprised" that Linfield and Crusaders were the only Irish Premiership clubs in action on Tuesday night.

The Blues moved 19 points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership table as goals from Joel Cooper and Chris McKee saw them to a 2-1 win over Declan Caddell's side at Windsor Park.

Healy's players were back in action a little over 72 hours after beating Cliftonville by the same score on Saturday evening and will face another quick turnaround before taking on Glentoran at the Oval in the sixth round of the Irish Cup on Friday night.

With the impact of Storm Darragh last year, other weather-related postponements since, and Glentoran's game with Larne on 18 January being abandoned due to floodlight failure in the second half, Healy expected Linfield's rivals to also be in action.

"I'm surprised that we were the only team on tonight, to be honest," he said.

"We requested right at the start, before the Irish Cup draw, [to play Crusaders] next Tuesday.

"But we were forced and told that this game had to be played this week because everybody has to catch up games.

"Then I see some of the other teams who had games cancelled through the storm we had a little while ago, people's generators not working, yet there's no other games in our league tonight."

Despite the fixture congestion, Healy was pleased with his side's performance in victory, even if he felt they could have made the game safe in the second half.

"Pleased with the three points and the outcome," he added.

"We found Crusaders difficult to break down but I think we had enough opportunities in the second-half to go and get a third or fourth.

"We probably let that slip."