Irish League Football

Image source, Pacemaker

Linfield manager David Healy says both he and his Glentoran counterparts are aware of the pressures surrounding the respective management teams as they prepare for the first 'Big Two' meeting of the season at the Oval on Friday night.

The match will be shown live on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Premiership leaders Glentoran go into the encounter with a three-point lead at the top of the league standings, having won five and drawn one of their opening five fixtures, conceding just one goal.

Linfield have played three fewer games because of their commitments in European club competition, but have won each of the three matches they have played.

"They [Glentoran] are unbeaten, they've started really well and we've started ok," Healy told BBC Sport NI.

"They look as if they have an edge to their game, which is important for big clubs like Linfield and Glentoran, with the demands and expectations around them.

"Myself and Declan [Devine], and I'm good friends with Paddy McCourt and I saw Tim McCann at a game a couple of weeks ago, we all understand the demands of both sets of supporters.

"It's hopefully set fair for a good game. Hopefully it's won by a wee bit of quality, a wee bit of magic by somebody, and not a poor decision where everybody is going to be left discussing it at the end of the game."

Image source, Pacemaker

Glentoran manager Declan Devine says his team have plenty of room for improvement as they aim to build on their promising start to the season when they host Linfield in the first 'Big Two' encounter of the season at the Oval on Friday (19:45 BST kick-off).

The game will be broadcast live on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, with coverage starting at 19:30.

The unbeaten Glens sit three points clear at the top of the Premiership table, having won five and drawn one of their first six matches of the campaign.

Linfield are playing catch-up in terms of fixtures but have won three out of three without conceding a goal.

"We still have to continue to get better. We know we have another couple of gears," Devine told BBC Sport NI after last weekend's 2-0 win at Ballymena United.

"We're not patting ourselves on the back too much. There's certainly a lot of room for improvement."

The Glens have conceded just one goal as they prepare for a run of league games which will see them face the champions, then another as yet unbeaten side in Coleraine, followed by the visit of Larne.

"We're coming into a very demanding fixture list now.

"We are still missing Dylan Connolly, Christie Pattisson, Ciaran Coll and Joe Thomson, who have all still to come back and stake a claim."

Devine believes the east Belfast outfit can take confidence into the meeting with their fierce rivals.

"It's nice to go into it on the back of a favourable result and we'll come up with a plan for that," reflected the Glens boss.

"It's a fantastic occasion for our fans, and for our players to play in but it's no more than three points."

Image source, Pacemaker

Larne manager Gary Haveron on his side's 2-0 win, clean sheet and three points:

"We pride ourselves on clean sheets. You're going to win games of football if you don't concede, especially with the firepower we have. We scored two brilliant goals, and it took two brilliant goals to break down a stubborn Bangor team. I feel we're going to get a lot of very good results, especially at home."

Haveron on substitutes making an impact, including Conor McKendry's strike:

"Conor's been a wee bit unfortunate, serving a suspension from the end of last year that cut his season short.

He's been patient and waiting for his opportunity, but that's exactly what you want from him. He's capable of moments of brilliance. The wee man comes on, and that's what he does - he's done it throughout his career. It's great to have him come on and take that vital goal."

Haveron on Benji Magee's late goal:

"It was important for Benji."

"It had been a frustrating afternoon for him, then he puts one in the corner, probably the most difficult of his chances today. He definitely had a lot of easier ones, and it was frustrating at times because you just wanted him to go and kill the game. But what a strike, worth the entrance fee alone for the fans."

"Benji's been a breath of fresh air, a really energetic player, and it was brilliant to see him get the goal he deserved."

Haveron on momentum and the squad getting stronger:

"We've still got a number of players to come back. Jordan McEnuff was on the bench today, maybe a wee bit early for him, but he'll come into contention. Leroy Millar is very close now, long-awaited, and we've also got Dylan Sloan and Alfie Bridgman to return from international duty.

"It bodes well because competition for places is there. When you're winning games, everyone wants to be part of it and contribute. The boys have been brilliant - working hard in training and taking it into matches."

Haveron on being linked with the permanent job:

"Listen, I think the owners are happy enough with the results and how we've been going about our work. We've got an exceptional group of players, and the credit always goes to them. They work so hard every day to show their qualities, and they're desperate to play and contribute. I'll just keep trying to do my best by them, supporting them and keeping them on the straight and narrow."

Image source, Presseye

Glentoran remain two points ahead of Cliftonville at the top of the Women's Premiership after both sides won their respective matches on Friday night.

The Glens won 2-1 at Lisburn Rangers, with Jess Foy opening the scoring deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half, then Faye Loughran scored against her former club early in the second half.

Gracie Conway grabbed a late consolation for Rangers with three minutes remaining.

Cliftonville meanwhile were 2-0 victors away to third-placed Linfield courtesy of two Teegan Lynch goals, one in either half.

Caoirse Doherty grabbed a double and Tara O'Connor-Farren was also on target as Derry City won 3-1 at home to Crusaders Strikers, Michelle McDaid was the scorer for the Crues.

Lisburn Ladies drew 0-0 with Larne in the night's other game.

Image source, Inpho

Holders Cliftonville will begin the defence of the BetMcLean Cup with a home first-round tie against Premier Intermediate side Coagh United.

The Reds beat Glentoran after extra time in last year's final courtesy of substitute Joe Gormley's goal.

The winners of the competition this year will automatically go into the Irish Premiership's European play-off final from next season.

All Irish Premiership sides and the top four ranked Championship clubs were seeded for the draw.

Last year's runners up and early Irish Premiership pacesetters Glentoran have been drawn away to Championship side Institute.

Gibson Cup holders Linfield will face Queen's University, Larne are away to Dergview whilst Crusaders host Ballymacash Rangers.

Irish Cup winners Dungannon Swifts travel to Ards, Carrick Rangers are away to Armagh City and Ballymena United welcome Ballinamallard United to the Showgrounds.

Promoted side Bangor will be at home to Lisburn Distillery, Coleraine will travel to Dollingstown, who received a bye through to the first round.

Portadown will be away to Newry City and Glenavon face a trip to Warrenpoint.

All ties will be played on Tuesday, 7 October unless specified and the games will be played to a finish.

BetMcLean Cup first-round draw

Ards v Dungannon Swifts (to be played Wednesday 8 October)

Armagh City v Carrick Rangers

Ballymena United v Ballinamallard United

Bangor v Lisburn Distillery

Cliftonville v Coagh United

Crusaders v Ballymacash Rangers

Dergview v Larne

Dollingstown v Coleraine

H&W Welders v Dundela

Institute v Glentoran

Linfield v Queen's University

Loughgall v Strabane Athletic

Moyola Park v Annagh United

Newington v Limavady United

Newry City v Portadown

Warrenpoint Town v Glenavon

Image source, Inpho

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton has agreed a contract extension to remain at the Solitude club until 2028.

The former Northern Ireland international was appointed in June 2023, leading the Reds to Irish Cup success in 2024.

Alongside assistant manager Gerard Lyttle, who has also signed an extension until 2028, Magilton guided the club to more silverware last season - winning the BetMcLean Cup in March.

"Jim Magilton and Gerard Lyttle have been instrumental in the successes the Club has enjoyed over the last two seasons," chairman Kieran Harding told the Cliftonville website.

"As a management team, they have delivered trophies, European football and some hugely memorable experiences for supporters young and old.

"Their dedication to Cliftonville and to improving players on the training pitch cannot be underestimated and, as well as expressing my own delight at extending their contracts for a further three years, I'm sure I speak on behalf of Reds fans around the world when I say how much we're all looking forward to what we can achieve in the seasons ahead."