Irish League Football

Coleraine v Ballymena Utd, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster

With the announcement of Joel Cooper signing a pre-contract with the club and speculation about other possible new arrivals at Coleraine, it's an exciting time at the club.

I didn't really appreciate how big a game this was until I was involved as a player at Ballymena and while Ballymena are coming off a win, they're without Josh Carson and Ben Kennedy through suspension. Coleraine need to start winning if they have aspirations of making the top six so I'm going to say they'll go all out to win the game.

Prediction: 2-1

Crusaders v Cliftonville, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster

The past few weeks have been tough for the Crues, they have been on a poor run of form, while Cliftonville are coming off the back of a disappointing defeat by Glentoran.

Again, a very tough one to call but Cliftonville need to get back on track so I'm going for them to win.

Prediction: 1-2

Dungannon Swifts v Loughgall, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster

Dungannon and Loughgall are two teams who have worked very hard to get where they are but I just think that Swifts have got that wee bit more quality so I'm predicting that they will win.

Both managers will be looking for a response after defeats but Rodney [McAree] will still be pleased with how his team performed in the 1-0 defeats to Linfield and Larne. They were very, very competitive in both games.

Prediction: 2-0

Glenavon v Portadown, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster

Paddy McLaughlin got his first home win under his belt as Glenavon manager against Crusaders and has his side playing well but Portadown are flying at the moment and I can't see anything other than a win for Niall Currie's side.

Prediction: 1-2

Glentoran v Linfield, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster

Glentoran against Linfield at the Oval is always a special occasion and the Boxing Day Big Two encounter is, without doubt, one of the highlights of the season. I was fortunate to be involved in some of them as a player and a coach at Linfield.

Glentoran are in fantastic form and Linfield have lost all three games between the teams this season, which is unheard of. I think Linfield will go there and try to make a point and they won't lose this one.

Prediction: 2-2

Larne v Carrick Rangers, 15:00 GMT, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster

You have to give Larne a lot of credit in that they beat Gent and then went on and defeated Dungannon on Monday night.

Now that their European adventure is over they can concentrate on trying to clinch that third league title in a row and qualifying for Europe again. I'm going for a Larne victory.

Prediction: 2-0

Don't forget to join Darren with Michael McNamee on Sportsound on Thursday from 14:00 GMT for all the latest from the Irish Premiership. Available on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle, BBC Sounds and on the BBC Sport website.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree was disappointed that his side conceded a "soft" goal in their 1-0 defeat by Larne at Stangmore Park.

Mark Randall capitalised on the Swifts' inability to clear the ball in the box to slide in and score the only goal of the game.

And McAree was frustrated that for the second game in a row they were edged out after Joel Cooper pounced on a defensive mistake last week to help Linfield beat the Swifts.

"We've lost two games now 1-0 and we've a great group of players and we've come on leaps and bounds but the two goals we've conceded is the reason why Linfield and Larne are where they are and will be because they don't concede goals like that, he told BBC Sport NI.

"We've conceded a soft one tonight, we hold our hands up. we know we've made a mistake but if we eradicate those mistakes, we know we'll be a better side again and that's the challenge.

"If we don't make that mistake, we get something out of the game because the lads really put a shift in; they can't do too much more."

Image source, Inpho

Larne boss Gary Haveron was delighted that his side produced a "dogged" display in their 1-0 against Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.

Mark Randall scored the only goal of the game for the Inver Reds and Haveron was pleased that they were able to restrict the high-flying Swifts to few chances.

"It is tough to come down to Dungannon at the best of times, they're flying and Rodney McAree has them playing good football, "Haveron explained.

"We knew we had to come down here with a game plan. be dogged and come away with three points and that's what we've done."

Haveron, who was taking charge of his first league game as manager, also praised his players for building on their historic Uefa Conference League victory against Gent on Thursday.

Larne are now 22 points behind league leaders Linfield with six games in hand as they look to win their third Gibson Cup in a row

"It was important we backed up the Gent performance and result and we managed to do that, we got the goal when we were staring to get on top," Haveron added.

"We know we need to put a run together to move up the league."

He also joked that Larne's lucky charm in their last two games have been contract extensions handed out to the subsequent goal scorers on the day of the game.

"Tomas [Cosgrove] got the goal on Thursday night and he had a contract extension the same day and then Mark tonight, so we need to get a few more boys on new contracts on the days of games it's been a good omen for us!"

Image source, Inpho

Winger James Teelan will join Portadown on a free transfer when the January transfer window opens.

The 22-year-old, who spent time in the Ports academy when he was younger, was released by fellow Irish Premiership side Crusaders in October.

Teelan, who started his senior career with Dungannon Swifts, was a standout performer for Newry City, making 87 appearances and scoring 27 goals in two seasons at the club.

He then moved on to the Crues in 2023 but played just 24 times during his 18 months at Seaview.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Carrick Rangers.

Portadown boss Niall Currie is delighted to add Teelan to his squad next month.

"He's explosive and will carry a real threat. We felt we needed to strengthen our wide areas and James can play right across the front line," Currie told the club's website.

"He comes after not featuring regularly at Crusaders but we're confident we can get his career going in the right direction again and give him the platform to get back to his very best."

Teelan is also looking forward to working with Currie, who has led Portadown to second in the table in their first season back in the top-flight.

"I feel as though Niall is the right manager to get the best out of me and I can't wait to get started and playing in front of the supporters."

Image source, Press Eye

Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree is targeting a victory over Larne which would take his team up to second in the Premiership standings.

The Swifts hope to bounce back from the midweek defeat by leaders Linfield as they prepare to take on the champions at Stangmore Park on Monday night.

"It's a tough game - Larne have had a lot of matches and they're playing catch-up in the league while Linfield maybe opening the gap on them puts a little more pressure on them," said McAree.

"There's a lot going on at Larne at this moment in time but we just have to make sure we set ourselves up in a way that we can maybe go and win the game and try to get something out of it and try to be competitive.

"We're looking forward to it. It's our last game this side of Christman before we play Loughgall [on Boxing Day] so it's giving ourselves the opportunity to challenge ourselves to get points.".

Indeed, Larne now trail the pacesetting Blues by a massive 25 points although the Inver Reds have seven games in hand.

Larne will go into the match bouyed by Thursday night's historic 1-0 win over Gent as they secured their first points in the Uefa Conference League.

With their European adventure completed, Larne can now turn their full attention to challenging for a third straight Premiership title.

"Hopefully we can get a run together and catch up with our games in hand," said captain Tomas Cosgrove.

"Until it's mathematically impossible, we'll give it [winning the league] a go. Hopefully this will be the catalyst to push us on and we go again on Monday."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Glenavon boss Paddy McLaughlin said that it was "a bit harsh" that his side fell to a narrow defeat against leaders Linfield at Windsor Park.

Chris McKee's early goal proved to be the difference as the Blues moved 13 points clear at the top of the table.

McLaughlin's side remain second from bottom, but he insists there were plenty of positives to take away from their display.

"I thought we dominated large parts of the second half, kept the ball really well but probably didn't threaten or create enough that is my only criticism," he told BBC Sport NI.

"Linfield did what they do well, finding a way to win the game when they aren't at their best and we should learn from them, but we can't fault the effort.

"We deserved at least a point; it's a bit harsh we come away empty handed."

Image source, Press Eye

Portadown's goal scorer Steven McCullough said that his side had to dig deep in their 1-0 victory against Crusaders at Shamrock Park.

McCullough scored the winner in the second half, but the Ports were lucky to take home all three points after Crusaders struck the woodwork four times.

The win moves the hosts up to second in the table and McCullough praised the attitude of his side.

"We had to dig deep today, we started well, Crusaders were unlucky not to score, they hit the post, and the crossbar and Aaron McCarey pulled off a wonder save," McCullough explained.

"It was a tough day, but we are getting that bit of luck at the minute and hopefully it continues."

McCullough believes their home form has been key to their unlikely lofty position in the league table.

"It's brilliant no one expected us to be here, we have a good changing room we are an honest bunch, and we work hard," he continued.

"We are making Shamrock Park a fortress and making it hard for teams to come here and get a result and hopefully we can continue the form into the new year."

Image source, Press Eye

Crusaders boss Declan Caddell said that Portadown were "lucky" to edge his side and claim a 1-0 victory at Shamrock Park.

Steven McCullough scored the only goal of the game for the high-flying Ports as the Crues rattled the woodwork four times.

And Caddell was frustrated that his side slipped to a third straight league defeat in a game he felt they should have won.

"Very disappointing, both teams weren't at their best, but we created the better opportunities four times we hit the woodwork and if we take those chances, it's a different game, he told BBC Sport NI.

"Then, it's the story of our season, they have one opportunity and McCullough slots it in and it trickles over the line against the run of play.

"It's the opposite of the last few games where I questioned my players work rate and desire, we saw loads of that today so today is a tough one to take. Portadown are lucky to get away with the win."

Image source, Press Eye

Loughgall boss Dean Smith said that Ballymena United "deserved" their 3-2 victory against his struggling side at Lakeview Park.

Adam Towe gave the hosts an early lead but Andy Scott replied a minute later with Calvin McCurry then putting the Sky Blues in front.

Despite Ballymena finishing the game with nine men after both Josh Carson and Ben Kennedy were sent off, the Villagers were unable to find an equaliser even though Daithi McCallion's own goal had given them hope.

"It was eventful, but I think overall Ballymena deserved the three points, when you play as long as we did again nine men and you only have one shot on target that sums up the kind of day we've had today," Smith told BBC Sport NI.

Smith lamented their lack of creativity as well as the poor goals they conceded with the result leaving Loughgall rooted to the foot of the table, six points behind Glenavon.

"We didn't look like scoring, our first goal was a deflection the second one is an own goal and apart from that we had only one shot on target, and I can't defend that," Smith continued.

"It coincides with the type of goals we've given away today and I can see why we're in the position we're in, it's that bad now it's become laughable and as a group we're really disappointed."

Image source, Inpho

Linfield boss David Healy refused to speak about Joel Cooper's future with the club after Saturday's win over Glenavon beyond saying that the winger will be involved in the Boxing Day contest against Glentoran.

Cooper is reported to have signed a pre-contract agreement with Coleraine which will see him move to the Bannsiders at the end of this season.

The player is in the final six months of his current Linfield contract which means he can speak to other clubs.

Asked if he was resigned to losing Cooper at the end of this season or whether he could reassure Linfield fans that the winger will stay at Windsor Park for the rest of the current campaign, Healy replied: "Joel Cooper wasn't involved in the game today. I'm here to talk about the game and the performance levels and the next game.

"Joel will have rested up and will be ready to go again on Boxing Day. He'll be fresh and he'll be fit and I look forward to seeing Joel playing on Boxing Day."

Saturday's win moved the Blues a whopping 13 points clear at the top of the table but Healy played down his team's runaway advantage.

"To me, it's of no great significance at all. Whether it's a point or three points or six…..it doesn't really matter because we're so early in it," Healy told BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound.

"It was our 20th league game so we've 18 to go. We're barely over half way. A lot of teams now will have the opportunity to go and start hitting form."

Linfield laboured to beat Paddy McLaughlin's Glenavon side, just as they did in their two previous games against Coleraine and Dungannon Swifts, but the Blues once again clinched the three points.

"It was a really, really tough game. Pleased with the outcome. Nowhere near the levels where we needed to be at but we kept going.

"Credit to Paddy. They made it really difficult for us. We lost possession. We didn't pick that right pass and we never looked likely of scoring a second goal."

Image source, Press Eye

Ballymena United boss Jim Ervin said that his side's 3-2 victory against Loughgall at Lakeview Park was "a bit crazy".

The Sky Blues fell behind to Adam Towe's opener before goals from Andy Scott and Calvin McCurry turned the game around before half-time.

Ben Kennedy extended their advantage before he and Josh Carson were both sent off with Daithi McCallion then scoring an own goal to set up a nervy finish with the Braidmen holding on for a crucial win.

"It was a bit crazy to say the least but the main thing for us was to get the three points no matter how we do it," Ervin told BBC Sport NI.

"It was an extremely difficult game, the conditions were awful. We responded well to going a goal down we scored straight away and that settled us.

"It's a massive three points and three goals away from home is impressive."

Ervin was frustrated with the dismissals of both Carson and Kennedy but was delighted with the character shown from his side to defend their lead with nine men as they ended a run of six defeats from their last seven games.

"I have questions over the first set of bookings but I'm not going to go into that because I will get punished for it, I'll keep those thoughts to myself, he added.

"We went down to nine man and dug in, defended for our lives and I'm proud as punch."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Cliftonville assistant manager Gerard Lyttle bemoaned Cliftonville's inability to convert chances as they were beaten 2-1 by Glentoran at Solitude.

Joe Gormley opened the scoring for the Reds in a first half that they dominated, but a bizarre goal from Glentoran goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai saw the sides go in level at the break.

Danny Amos' free-kick then squirmed under David Odumosu with Odhran Casey sent off too as Cliftonville fell to a second successive league loss.

"It's disappointing that two mistakes have cost us the game and second half we weren't ruthless enough," Lyttle told BBC Sport NI.

"Their only shot [in the second half] is the free-kick so we're disappointed in how we have lost the game."

Lyttle added that the Reds need to find their clinical streak as squandering chances has been a theme of their up and down campaign.

"I thought first half we were magnificent and played them off the park and the disappointing thing was coming in at half-time 1-1 we should have been two or three up and second half we didn't reach the heights we did in the first half," he continued.

"It's been a trend this season we have really dominated games and not take chances and we've been hanging on, so we need to put teams to bed quicker and cut out the mistakes."

Lyttle was also critical of referee Tim Marshall and his decision to send Casey off for two yellow card offences.

"I need to be careful what I say but I thought the officiating today wasn't to a great standard.

I thought it was a bit of common sense, the linesman has put his flag up, but the referee hasn't blown the whistle, so Odhran Casey played on, and he's lunged in and the Glentoran players have got him sent off."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Glentoran goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai admitted that his equaliser in his side's win against Cliftonville was a "freak goal".

The Hungarian netted on the stroke of half-time with a free-kick from inside his box which bounced over Reds stopper David Odumosu.

And whilst conceding it was not what he had meant, Gyollai was happy to contribute to the comeback victory.

"It was a freak goal and that is the first time I have scored in my career so it will be a memorable one and it was really important," he told BBC Sport NI.

"It was a crazy game, a game of two halves. The first half was really tough, and we got caught sleeping on the free-kick which they scored from and I was really angry with the boys," Gyollai continued.

"Second half we controlled the game, limited them to few chances and deserved the three points."

Glens boss Declan Devine praised his side's resilience to come back and win the game after they had fallen behind to Joe Gormley's opener, with Gyollai and then Danny Amos getting on the scoresheet.

"It was a scrapy and ugly game, I was really disappointed at half-time with the goal we gave away and we didn't play anywhere near our levels," he said.

"Our goalkeeper gets us out of jail and brings us level, but second half we were more competitive and more aggressive and credit to the players, to come from a goal behind shows the team spirit in the group."

Devine reserved special praise for goalkeeper Gyollai, whose goal was similar to former Glentoran stopper Elliot Morris' effort against Institute in 2019.

"[Gyollai scoring] is not what you expect coming to the game and the big man has been simply outstanding since coming in," Devine added.

"Within two days of him coming in Elliot Morris showed him the goal he scored against Institute at the Brandywell a few years ago which I was at, and Dan has been able to do it himself, so I'm delighted for him."