Irish League Football

Image source, BBC Sport

Harland & Wolff Welders v Glentoran (Friday, 19:45 BST, live on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website)

East Belfast derby. Welders will enjoy a big crowd there Friday night. Declan Devine has his team on a brilliant run of form, unbeaten in eight. You have to look at Glentoran progressing.

Prediction: 0-2 (result: 2-4)

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

Cliftonville winning their first Irish Cup in 40 years last year was brilliant for Jim Magilton, the staff and the players. Saturday will be a tough day after the sad passing of Michael [Newberry], but it'll be a day I'm sure all the NIFL football family and the Irish Football Association come together and respect the passing of a young man, and a very good footballer. Cliftonville will have too much for Banbridge on the pitch on what will be a very difficult day.

Prediction: 3-0

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

Paddy McLaughlin has got Glenavon in good form, they're coming in off the back of six massive points gathered over the Christmas period. I can't see anything other than a Glenavon win.

Prediction: 2-1

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

It's a battle of the families! Shea Campbell being married to Dean Shiels' sister creates a family affair up in Coleraine. To be fair to Dean, Coleraine went to a difficult place on Saturday in Loughgall and got a good result. They'll be looking at the Irish Cup as an avenue where they can maybe get silverware.

Prediction 3-1

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

I'm going to go for a shock here. I think Dollingstown will win. Obviously, with Stephen Small stepping down at Ballyclare, they'll be going into the game without a manager. There might be a wee bit of uncertainty with Ballyclare.

Prediction: 2-1

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

Great game! I think it'll be the only game to go to extra time. Ballinamallard to win on penalties.

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

Another great game. Ballymena coming in off a poor run of form in the league. Ards have some really experienced players.

Prediction: 2-1

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

Prediction 1-2

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

Prediction: 2-0

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

Prediction: 2-0

Linfield v Wellington Rec (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Prediction 4-0

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

Prediction: 1-3

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

Prediction: 3-0

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

Prediction: 0-3

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

Prediction: 1-2

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

Prediction: 1-0

Darren Murphy will be on commentary alongside Michael Hammond for Annagh United v Portadown at the BMG Arena as part of Sportsound's coverage of the Irish Cup.

You can listen to Sportsound on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and on the BBC Sport website from 14:00 BST on Saturday for all the latest from the Irish Cup, with the sixth-round draw taking place on the programme.

Image source, Larne FC

Daniel Carlisle has been appointed manager of Larne Women just hours after Donald Malomo-Paris departed the role to become boss of Lisburn Ladies.

Carlisle joins Larne after managing PSNI in the Premier Intermediate League while he was also assistant manager at Moyola Park.

He worked in a coaching education capacity at Linfield Girls Academy and later became the Girls Academy director at Ballymena United after starting his coaching career at Larne's girl's academy.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be back at Inver Park," Carlisle told Larne FC.

"As soon as I walked in the door, and seen the transformation the club has been through, it's been unbelievable. It's exciting times for the club and myself."

Meanwhile, Malomo-Paris takes over at Lisburn Ladies from Phil Lewis, who left the post earlier this week.

Larne finished eighth in the Women's Premiership table last season, with Lisburn Ladies one place better off in seventh.

Lisburn Ladies club chairman Hayden Davis commented: "We drew up a shortlist of candidates once Phil had informed me he was stepping down.

"Donald was our number one target on the list and I am delighted to have been able to get him on board.

"Donald is a Pro Licence Coach which we know will not only benefit the senior squad players but the club as a whole."

Larne Women's Football Director Andrew Scullion paid tribute to the contribution made by Malomo-Paris during his two seasons with the club.

"Donald led us in our first season in the Premiership so he will always be an important part of our club's history," said Scullion.

Also leaving the east Antrim outfit is long-serving William Noble, who steps down from his role after two decades of dedicated commitment to the club.

Noble has occupied the positions of coach, manager and head of recruitment.

Image source, Presseye

Portadown have signed ex-Crusaders and Ballymena United goalkeeper Jordan Williamson.

The 29-year-old stopper started his career with Crusaders, then went on to have spells with Knockbreda and PSNI, before moving to Ballymena in January 2019.

Williamson made 86 appearances for the Sky Blues and appeared in consecutive Irish Cup final defeats by the Crues in May 2022 and May 2023.

He subsequently returned to the Seaview outfit as back up to Jonny Tuffey but would make only three appearances in his second spell with the north Belfast outfit before departing at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

After leaving Crusaders, Williamson opted to join NAFL Division 2B outfit Lower Shankill in order to help him get fully fit.

The Shamrock Park club also have former Glentoran keeper Aaron McCarey on their books.

"Portadown is a massive club with massive history and when a club of this stature and a manager like Niall Currie comes calling it's a simple decision," Williamson told the Portadown FC website.

"I can't wait to get going and to represent this wonderful club."

Ports boss Currie commented: "We're delighted to get Jordan on board. To get a goalkeeper of his experience and class is needed as we are trying to build a squad with competition for places and with Jordan on board we feel we have that now."

Portadown lie fourth in the Premiership table and face an Irish Cup fifth round tie away to near neighbours Annagh United on Saturday.

Image source, Crusaders FC

Crusaders have signed 20-year-old striker Josh O'Connor from Hibernian on an 18-month contract.

A product of the Edinburgh club's youth academy, O'Connor made the first of his three senior appearances against Aberdeen in March 2022.

The Scot would spent the 2022-23 season at Airdrie before another loan move to Dundalk in the League of Ireland during this campaign.

Hibs' sporting director Malky Mackay said: "We would like to thank Josh for all his hard work and efforts during his time with the club.

"He is a great lad who has represented Hibs with pride all the way through the age groups in the academy to making his first team debut.

"Everyone at the club wishes Josh the best of luck with his next move and all the best for the future."

Subject to the necessary international clearance, O'Connor could make his Crusaders debut in the Irish Cup fifth round away to Knockbreda on Saturday.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin said that he was pleased with his side's "hard-earned" 2-0 win against Ballymena United at the Showgrounds.

Goals from Peter Campbell and David McDaid helped the Lurgan Blues to their first away win under McLaughlin.

It also made it back-to-back victories as their march up the table continues under their new boss.

"To come here and get three points, I'm delighted, all our points had come at Mourneview, so it is good to get one away and get that off our backs, it is good to get back-to-back wins" he told BBC Sport NI.

"It is tough place to come, and the pitch wasn't great, but I thought our boys were excellent, they defended the box really well and when the chances came, we took them."

McLaughlin reserved praise for goalscorers McDaid and Campbell, with the latter enjoying an upturn in form since the manager arrived.

"Davy has been incredible for us in the last few weeks, so it is good to see him get his goal, he never stops working," McLaughlin explained.

"Peter is a top player, he got off to a slow enough start this season but you see now what he is all about, he is committed to the cause and if he keeps playing the way he is playing the sky is the limit."

Image source, Inpho

Carrick Rangers boss Stephen Baxter said that his side's goalless draw with Crusaders "had a 0-0 written all over it".

Chances were at a premium in the game at Taylors Avenue but Kyle Cherry and Seanan Clucas went close in the second half for the hosts.

Baxter's side have now drawn three successive games and he was content with their performance.

"It was always going to be a difficult night with the wind and the conditions, Crusaders changed their shape because of the wind, bringing in Jordan Owens to win the high ball but we dealt with it really well," he told BBC Sport NI.

"Crusaders didn't threaten all night, I don't think there was a shot on our goal, we probably had the two better chances.

"It had a 0-0 written all over it at half-time, not one you'll want to watch back but you have to play the conditions."

Whilst pleased with the point, Baxter conceded that his side must start turning draws into wins in their quest to move up the table.

"One goal would have won the game as there was very little in it, he continued.

"Since I've come in it has been six draws, three wins and two defeats so it has been good from us.

"We have been pleased with the effort, but we need to turn some of draws into wins."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Crusaders boss Declan Caddell said that the 0-0 draw with Carrick was a "good point" for his side given the number of players out with injury.

It was a game of few chances at Taylors Avenue and Caddell admitted that the absence of top scorer Kieran Offord with a knock was keenly felt.

"It was always going to be a game like that tonight, we had a patched-up squad, that's been the story of our season," Caddell told BBC Sport NI.

"We had four more players not available from Boxing Day, so it is a good point considering it was nine or 10 unavailable. we had injured players still playing so to be able to dig out a 0-0 draw is good."

Caddell believes conditions also played a factor, but that he was content that they produced a better display than their last away game there where they were beaten 3-0 by Carrick.

"It's a tough place to come, we were beaten 3-0 here last time and we wanted a response which we got," he added.

"The pitch wasn't great and there was the wind, it wasn't one for the purist it lacked that bit of quality, but work-rate and endeavour was there in abundance.

"We've got two clean sheets in a row now that is a foundation to build on and I'll be glad to get some of the injured players back."

Image source, PACEMAKER

Monday night's Premiership programme has been reduced to four games following the tragic passing of Cliftonville defender Michael Newberry.

The 27-year-old English player, who also played for Linfield, died suddenly.

The Cliftonville v Dungannon Swifts and Linfield v Larne matches have been postponed as a mark of respect.

It is fourth against third at Shamrock Park as Portadown host Glentoran.

The game will be live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

The Ports lost their Boxing Day derby at Glenavon and face a Glens side who have not lost since falling to a 2-0 reverse to Niall Currie's side on 16 November.

Elsewhere, Ballymena United will hope to strengthen their place inside the top six when they host Glenavon, Carrick Rangers welcome Crusaders to Taylors Avenue and strugglers Loughgall take on Coleraine at Lakeview Park.

Listen to the goals as they go in on BBC Sounds and Radio Ulster and follow live text updates and in-play clips on the BBC Sport website & app.