Irish League Football

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Ballymena boss Jim Ervin said that his side's dramatic 2-2 draw with Linfield was a "hard pill to swallow".

After falling behind to Matthew Fitzpatrick's opener, the Sky Blues levelled through Donal Rocks before taking the lead in injury time through a Patrick McEleney penalty.

Kyle McClean salvaged a point for leaders Linfield with an 100th-minute equaliser, which was deflating for Ervin and his players.

"It feels like a defeat, I don't know what to say I'm gutted," he told BBC Sport NI.

"The boys went a goal down early on after a mistake, but the response was great, and I think if we came away with three points anyone who was watching would not have disagreed," Ervin continued.

"We have to take the positives, we went toe to toe with the league leaders and should have got three points, so we need to build on that."

Ervin refused to be drawn on whether he thought the Blues' late equaliser should have been ruled out after Ballymena players claimed that there was a foul on Caolan Loughran in the build-up to the goal.

"I'm not going to comment, I haven't seen it back and emotions are high, so I don't want to say something and get myself in trouble."

League leaders Linfield moved 20 points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership but needed a last-gasp equaliser from Kyle McClean to salvage a 2-2 draw against Ballymena United.

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Linfield winger Joel Cooper says he is "fully focused" on bringing the league title back to Windsor Park despite his future beyond this season being the subject of much speculation.

BBC Sport NI reported in December that the player had signed a pre-contract agreement to join Coleraine at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has been a key figure in the Blues establishing a 19-point lead at the top of the Irish Premiership table and his contribution has been recognised in being named Northern Ireland Football Writers' Player of the Month for January.

When asked by BBC Sport NI about the link to a move to the Bannsiders come the conclusion of the campaign, Cooper declined to comment.

"I'm fully focused on getting the title back to Windsor Park and putting in good performances and once that job is done I'll be open to that conversation," said the Linfield frontman.

"I have people in my corner to do the talking and that's probably why I don't get distracted, all I focus on is the matchdays and training days."

Linfield are in pole position to regain the Gibson Cup after Larne secured back-to-back Premiership successes, the first in their history.

Cooper is coy about suggestions that the leaders have the title wrapped up however, despite their seemingly unassailable cushion.

"Everyone says that from the outside but from the inside we focus on the next game. It's cliched to say but it's the truth," he explained.

"Going into pre-season we had only one goal. That was bringing the trophy [Gibson Cup] back to Windsor. We've done really well up to now.

"Being at a club like Linfield that's the bread and butter - getting the league title back here is the most important thing. That's what the fans want and we'll do everything we can to bring it back."

Cooper hopes his performances have paid back the support he has received from supporters.

"The fans have supported me really well and that's something I have a lot of gratitude for. I'm grateful for them sticking by me and supporting me. Hopefully my performances on the pitch can give something back to them."

Linfield's game away to Ballymena United on Friday 7 February will be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app.

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The Irish Cup quarter-final tie between Bangor and Glentoran is to be broadcast live across BBC Sport NI on Friday 28 February.

The game at Clandeboye Park will kick off at 19:45 GMT and can be viewed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

The Championship leaders secured their place in the last eight of the competition with a 3-0 win over Annagh United in the sixth round.

Glentoran emerged 2-1 victors in a hard-fought derby encounter against Linfield, Finley Thorndike firing home the winner for the Oval outfit in extra-time.

Lee Feeney's side are one of two Championship sides left in this year's competition, with Ards being the other.

Glentoran are aiming to lift the Irish Cup for the first time since 2020 and for the 24th time in their history.

Bangor's sole success came back in 1993.

The other three quarter-final matches will be played on Saturday 29 February.

Crusaders host Cliftonville in a north Belfast derby, Ards welcome Loughgall and Carrick Rangers entertain Dungannon Swifts with coverage of those games live on 'Sportsound' on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.

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Larne manager Gary Haveron praised his players after the Premiership champions fought back to defeat Carrick Rangers 2-1 in the east Antrim derby.

Nedas Maciulaitis gave the hosts a first-half lead at Taylors Avenue with a backpost finish.

Larne hit back back in the second half with Sean Graham heading in the equaliser before Tiarnan O'Connor slotted into the bottom corner to win it with seven minutes left.

"[There were] difficult conditions with the pitch but the boys showed great character," said Haveron.

"The goal we went behind to I thought it was offiside, I though it was a quite clear and obvious offside but it doesn't go for you.

"At half time I was saying to the boys 'don't feel sorry for yourselves, you've got to keep fighting' - I thought we were the better side throughout the game and we got our just rewards in the end by pure persistence and keeping going."

The win takes Larne up to fourth in the standings and 21 points behind leaders Linfield with five games in hand.

It also extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight games as three points were secured in a tough fixture.

"It was really hard fought but any result you need to get here at Taylors Avenue is going to be hard fought, it's never easy.

"It's obviously a derby game as well so there's a lot to be played for - you could see that at the end of the game."

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Portadown have been another one of the Irish Premiership's surprise packages this season as they sit fourth in their first season back in the top flight.

Manager Niall Currie has brought in James Teelan after his departure from Crusaders, while midfielder Rabby Tabu Minzamba and goalkeeper Jordan Williamson have also signed.

In a further boost, defender Baris Altintop has extended his stay at Shamrock Park until the end of the season, and defender Divin Isamala has joined on loan from League of Ireland side Bohemians.

After leaving Portadown, Cathair Friel has joined his local club Newtowne, while goalkeeper Jamie Ray has signed for Enniskillen Town United.

Jamie McDonagh is now on loan at Championship leaders Bangor, while Jack Henderson has completed a permanent move to Annagh United.

Holding their own in a competitive top half, can Portadown push for a European place?

In: James Teelan (free agent), Rabby Tabu Minzamba (free agent), Jordan Williamson (free agent), Baris Altintop (Larne), Divin Isamala (Bohemians - loan), Jack Duncan (Dundela - end of loan).

Out: Cathair Friel (Newtowne), Jamie Ray (Enniskillen Town United), Jamie McDonagh (Bangor - loan), Jack Henderson (Annagh United), Jay Riley (Ballyclare Comrades - loan), Zach Cowan (Banbridge Town - loan), Liam Mullan (Derry City - end of loan).

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Loughgall's second season back in the Irish Premiership has been difficult and Dean Smith's side are bottom of the table.

In a blow to their survival hopes, key striker Nathaniel Ferris departed the club for Glentoran late in the window.

However, Smith's side have been boosted by the return of Benji Magee on loan from Larne, and if the Villagers are to stay up then the 22-year-old will need to rediscover the magic that led him to Inver Park in the summer.

Fra McCaffrey is an experienced addition and young striker Kirk McLaughlin was highly-rated at Coleraine.

Loughgall have also brought in Robbie Mahon from Dundalk, Matthew O'Brien from Drodgheda United and Glenavon defender James Carroll.

They may be nine points adrift at the bottom of the league, but progress from the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup could still give the club something to celebrate.

In: Benji Magee (Larne - loan), James Carroll (Glenavon), Robbie Mahon (Dundalk), Fra McCaffrey (Newry City), Kirk McLaughlin (Coleraine), Matthew O'Brien (Drogheda United).

Out: Nathaniel Ferris (Glentoran), Conor McDermott (St James Swifts), Ben Harvey (Newry City - loan), Andrew Hoey (Annagh United - loan), Jay Boyd (Crusaders - end of loan).

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After an active summer in the transfer market, January was relatively quiet in terms of comings and goings at Windsor Park.

The Blues, who are 19 points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership table, have opted for quality over quantity in this window.

Kieran Offord was the first arrival at Windsor Park after impressing on loan at Crusaders.

Linfield won the race to sign the forward on a permanent deal from St Mirren after the 20-year-old netted 10 league goals for the Crues.

Then, on deadline day, Linfield announced the signing of winger Callumn Morrison from Falkirk.

The 25-year-old was the golden boot winner and named player of the year as he helped Falkirk to the Scottish League One last season.

Both players will add extra firepower as David Healy's side look to end Larne's two-year grasp on the Irish Premiership title.

In: Kieran Offord (St Mirren), Callumn Morrison (Falkirk).

Out: N/A.

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It has been an interesting campaign for Larne, who are playing catch up in the Irish Premiership after their European exploits earlier in the season.

Two key players of their squad departed in the January window, as Levi Ives moved to Coleraine and Joe Thomson signed for Glentoran.

Benji Magee has rejoined Loughgall on loan, while Jack Hastings will look to get experience at Carrick Rangers.

Gary Haveron has brought in Tiernan O'Connor and Josh Kee from H&W Welders, with the latter heading back on loan to the Championship side.

Larne have also recruited forwards Olatunde Bayode from Bruno's Magpies and Harry Panayiotou as a free agent.

Losing Ives and Thomson will be a blow to the charging Inver Park side, but Haveron will be hoping the new recruits can fire his side back up the table.

In: Tiernan O'Connor (H&W Welders), Josh Kee (H&W Welders), Harry Panayiotou (free agent), Olatunde Bayode (Bruno's Magpies), Oisin Devlin (Ballymena United - end of loan), Sean Brown (Ballymena United - end of loan), Caolan Donnelly (Ballyclare Comrades - end of loan).

Out: Levi Ives (Coleraine), Joe Thomson (Glentoran), Josh Kee (H&W Welders - loan), George Marsh (released), Ethan Simpson (Ards), Benji Magee (Loughgall - loan), Baris Altintop (Portadown - loan), Jack Hastings (Carrick Rangers - loan), Caolan Donnelly (Ballinamallard United - loan) Sam Todd (Derry City - end of loan).

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After a rollercoaster few seasons, there is a feel-good factor around Glentoran again.

Declan Devine's side won the County Antrim Shield, are in the final of the BetMcLean Cup and quarter-finals of the Irish Cup, and are second in the Irish Premiership table.

With his winner at Loughgall and red card against Linfield, Joe Thomson has already made an impact after signing from Larne.

Shane McEleney and Ciaron Coll have moved to the Oval after leaving Derry City, while Christie Pattison has joined from Waterford.

Nathaniel Ferris was an arrival late in the window from Loughgall and will boost the Glens' goalscoring options.

There are a number of outgoings, all on loan. Striker Jay Donnelly is the headline departure as he signs for Newington, while Harry Murphy and Lorcan Donnelly two of those also depart.

In: Shane McEleney (Derry City), Ciaran Coll (Derry City), Joe Thomson (Larne), Christie Pattison (Waterford), Nathaniel Ferris (Loughgall).

Out: Jay Donnelly (Newington - loan), Harry Murphy (Glenavon - loan), Lorcan Donnelly (Newry City - loan), Theo McToal (Ballyclare Comrades), Casey Smyth (Newry City - loan), Callan Farley (Warrenpoint Town - loan), Owen McNeill (Lisburn Distillery - loan), Tony McIlhone (Newington - loan).

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Paddy McLaughlin has been fairly active in the January in his first transfer window as Glenavon manager.

Goalkeeper Tadhg Ryan moves to Mourneview Park from Derry City, while midfielder Aaron Heaney joins on loan from the Brandywell.

Harry Murphy also moves on loan from Irish Premiership side Glentoran and Sean Carlin has signed from Institute.

The Lurgan Blues have also recalled striker Aaron Prendergast from Dundela for the second half of the season.

Keith Ward has left Mourneview Park to sign for Dundalk, while James Carroll has made the switch to Loughgall, while midfielder Jamie Doran and winger James Soona have joined Newry City and Armagh City on loan.

After struggling at the start of the season, Glenavon have been on a good run of form under McLaughlin and are within five points of the top six.

In: Tadhg Ryan (Derry City), Sean Carlin (Institute), Harry Murphy (Glentoran - loan), Aaron Heaney (Derry City - loan), Aaron Prendergast (Dundela - end of loan).

Out: Keith Ward (Dundalk), James Carroll (Loughgall), Jamie Doran (Newry City - loan), Cohen Henderson (Oxford Sunnyside), Bobby Dean (Limavady United), James Doona (Armagh City - loan).

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Dungannon Swifts' rise to third in the table has been one of the stories of the Irish Premiership season.

The Swifts are also in the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup and won the Mid-Ulster Cup in January.

It was a stable window for Rodney McAree's side as they look to consolidate their place in the table.

Striker Brandon Bermingham, 23, was the sole recruit for the Swifts in January and has made a goalscoring start to life at Stangmore Park.

There weren't too many outgoings, either, with three departures on loan to Championship clubs.

Goalkeeper Patrick Solas Grogan has moved to Bangor, midfielder Aidan Hegarty has joined Institute while Tommy Taggert will feature for Newry City.

In: Brandon Bermingham (free agent).

Out: Patrick Solas Grogan (Bangor - loan), Tommy Taggert (Newry City - loan), Aidan Hegarty (Institute - loan)

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Coleraine were the story of the transfer market before the January window had opened after being heavily linked to Linfield's Joel Cooper.

Cooper is set to move to Coleraine in the summer after signing a pre-contract with the club.

The Bannsiders, with fresh investment, were active in the window and strengthened by bringing in Ronan Doherty from Cliftonville and Levi Ives from Larne.

Defender Paddy Burns was snapped up as a free agent and Declan McManus and Charles Dunne have arrived from TNS and St Mirren respectively.

Dean Shiels' side have also been boosted by the loan extension for Connor Murray, who will remain at the Showgrounds from Hamilton Academical until the end of the season.

Loughgall snapped up striker Kirk McLaughlin from Coleraine on deadline day, while Mackenzie Carse, Ciaron Harkin and Sam McClintock have left the club.

Coleraine sit ninth in the table and will be hoping their new recruits can help push them up the table in the second half of the season.

In: Ronan Doherty (Cliftonville), Levi Ives (Larne), Declan McManus (TNS), Charles Dunne (St Mirren), Paddy Burns (free agent), Connor Murray (Hamilton Academical - loan).

Out: Kirk McLaughlin (Loughgall), Mackenzie Carse (released), Ciaron Harkin (Derry City - end of loan), Sam McClintock (Limavady United - loan).

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Cliftonville have been active in the January transfer window as Jim Magilton's side look to consolidate their place in the fight for European places.

Australian winger Alex Parsons, 25, is an intriguing signing from A-League side Brisbane Roar.

Eric McWoods has been brought to Solitude to add to the Reds' goalscoring threat, while centre back Jack Keaney joins the club after being part of Drogheda United's FAI Cup-winning squad.

Midfielder Harry Wilson joins the club as a free agent, while defender Stephen McGuinness has returned to Solitude after spending the first half of the season at Championship leaders Bangor.

Losing to Ronan Doherty to Coleraine is a undoubtedly a blow to the Reds, while Jack Berry has made the move to Lithuania to play for FK Be1.

Taylor Steven has returned to his parent club at St Johnstone, while Kevan Hawthorne and Callum McCay have departed on loan.

In: Alex Parsons (Brisbane Roar), Eric McWoods (free agent), Jack Keany (Drogheda United), Callum McCay (Derry City), Harry Wilson (free agent), Stephen McGuinness (Bangor - end of loan)

Out: Ronan Doherty (Coleraine), Jack Berry (FK Be1), Taylor Steven (St Johnstone - end of loan), Keevan Hawthorne (Ballyclare Comrades - loan), Callum McCay (Institute - loan).

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It has been a busy window for Carrick Rangers, who are in no man's land in the Irish Premiership relegation/promotion play-off place.

While a run of victories could see them challenge the teams above them, manager Stephen Baxter will be hoping his new recruits can help fire Carrick to Irish Cup glory. They face Dungannon Swifts in the last eight.

Defender Ethan Boyle is a familiar face to the Irish League after a spell with Linfield, while Reece Webb and Cian O'Malley also arrive from League of Ireland First Division side Wexford.

Carrick are the league's lowest scorers with 21 goals in 24 matches, and Baxter has recruited striker Jack Hastings on loan from Larne, and attacking players Jack O'Reilly and Shane Forbes.

Former Larne goalkeeper Jack McIntyre was another late addition at Taylors Avenue after leaving Ayr United.

Emmett McGuckin has left the club to join Limavady United, while Ben McCauley and Ronan Kalla have moved onto pastures new.

In: Ethan Boyle (Wexford), Reece Webb (Wexford), Cian O'Malley (Wexford), Shane Forbes (Athlone Town), Jack O'Reilly (Ytterhogdals IK), Jack McIntyre (Ayr United), Luke O'Brien (St Pat's Athletic), Jack Hastings (Larne - loan).

Out: Ben McCauley (Coagh United), Ronan Kalla (Newington), Emmett McGuckin (Limavady United), Jaydyn Whiters (Ballyclare Comrades).

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After a blistering start to the season, life in the Irish Premiership has been a bit more up and down for Ballymena United in recent months.

With that in mind, manager Jim Ervin has been busy in the transfer market to bolster his squad for the second half of the campaign.

Derry City captain Patrick McEleney was the highest-profile recruit to arrive at the Showgrounds, while striker Success Idogun and midfielder Kian Corbally arrived from the League of Ireland First Division.

Conor Barr and Duncan Idehen have also arrived from the Brandywell on loan deals until the end of the season.

There have been a few notable departures, including Mikey Place, who signed for Finn Harps, Noah Stewart's move to Maidenhead United and John Herron, who was released from his contract.

In: Patrick McEleney (Derry City), Success Idogun (Finn Harps), Kian Corbally (Wexford), Conor Barr (Derry City - loan), Duncan Idehen (Derry City - loan), Jordan McMullan (H&W Welders - end of loan), Caleb Crawford (Dundela - end of loan).

Out: John Herron (released), Noah Stewart (Maidenhead United), Jack O'Mahony (Bangor), Mikey Place (Finn Harps), Brendan Barr (Institute), Fiontan O'Boyle (Newington - loan), Caleb Crawford (Moyola Park - loan), Sean Brown (Larne - end of loan), Oisin Devlin (Larne - end of loan).

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Glentoran striker Jay Donnelly will spend the rest of the season on loan at NIFL Championship side Newington.

The former Cliftonville man has scored 78 goals in 179 appearances for the east Belfast club and won the Irish Premiership's Golden Boot award in 2021-22.

The 29-year-old, who joined the club in 2020, has fallen down the pecking order under manager Declan Devine this season with Jordan Jenkins and David Fisher leading the line in the former Derry City boss' 4-3-3 formation.

Glentoran added Loughgall's Nathaniel Ferris, another striker, last week.

"We felt the best decision was to facilitate a loan move that allows [Donnelly] to play regularly and regain his sharpness in a competitive environment," said Devine.

"We know the quality Jay possesses and this loan provides him with the platform to rebuild momentum with consistent game time.

"We have no doubt he will make a real impact at Newington and we wish him all the best for the remainder of the season."

Donnelly's older brother, Ruaridhri, who has since returned to Cliftonville, spent the second half of last season on loan at Newington, also from Glentoran.

Elsewhere on transfer deadline day, Loughgall moved to replace Ferris by bringing former Glentoran striker Kirk McLaughlin to Lakeview Park from Coleraine.