Irish League Football

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Niall Currie praised Steven McCullough's "wonderful" free-kick which gave Portadown a much needed 1-0 win against Loughgall at Shamrock Park.

McCullough struck the winner with just three minutes on the clock, with Loughgall having a late goal disallowed for offside.

And Currie was delighted that the Ports could end their recent run of disappointing results with a hard-fought victory.

"I'm glad of the win, it was a wonderful free-kick and over the 90 minutes their goalkeeper was worked more than ours was," he told BBC Sport NI.

"It wasn't a game for the purist, it wasn't good on the eye tonight, but we got the job done and I think we deserved the win, we defended fantastically well."

"Results like tonight boost everyone when you've been on a poor run, and we've broken the cycle now."

Currie was also keen to applaud the officials for disallowing the goal late in the game which would have snatched a point for Loughgall.

"The referee got it spot on as soon as the goal went in, we saw Aaron McCarey's reaction and we were shouting from the sideline because the Loughgall player was standing right in front of him, so special praise to the officials tonight."

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Glenavon manager Stephen McDonnell says that their 1-0 defeat against Ballymena United was a "disappointing day" for his side.

Ben Kennedy scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as Glenavon fell to a home defeat on a blustery day at Mourneview Park.

The loss ended Glenavon's five game unbeaten streak in the league and McDonnell admitted he was frustrated they couldn't rescue a point on home soil.

"I thought the game was particularly poor, it wasn't one for the purist and the penalty wins the game which tells the whole story," he told BBC Sport NI.

"The conditions were quite poor, the ball was swirling in the air most of the time, so it was difficult and a disappointing day.

"I would have liked to pick up something, but it just wasn't to be."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Ballymena United boss Jim Ervin admits that their 1-0 win against Glenavon at Mourneview Park will not be one that lives long in the memory.

Ben Kennedy scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as the Sky Blues stayed top of the table with their 11th successive win in all competitions.

And Ervin was pleased that they were able to shutout the Lurgan Blues in difficult conditions.

"It is three huge points, and I'm delighted for the boys. We told them if we kept a clean sheet, we would have a chance and Ben as cool as you like from the penalty," Ervin told BBC Sport NI.

"Probably not one we'll remember much, but credit to both sets of players conditions were really difficult with the wind, you don't appreciate how bad it is until pitch side, it was quite blustery."

That victory was the Sky Blues' eighth in a row in the league and Ervin was a player when Ballymena won a club record nine games in a row, a feat he could repeat as a manager with a win against Coleraine next weekend.

"I'm not interested in those kinds of stats; they're great stats don't get me wrong but I'm just trying to keep this run going," Ervin continued.

"The boys have been brilliant with their hard work and while they keep doing that, we'll have belief they can deliver."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Linfield assistant manager Ross Oliver admitted that he was unaware of the reason David Healy was sent off after the Blues' 3-2 victory against Crusaders.

A double from Kyle McClean either side of a Matthew Fitzpatrick goal helped Linfield get back to winning ways at Seaview.

Chris Johns pulled off a stunning save late in the game to deny Crues an equaliser after ex Blues players Jordan Stewart and Jimmy Callacher had got their goals.

It appeared Healy was given a red card as he encroached on to the pitch at the very end, but Oliver did not see the incident.

"I missed what happened, when the whistle blew, I was away celebrating," he told BBC Sport NI.

Despite the chaotic end to the game, Oliver was pleased Linfield saw out the win.

"We knew in the second half with the wind blowing down into the Railway Stand we were going to be bombarded with balls into the box, but the players dealt with it as best they could," he explained.

"I think we had one or two chances in the second half where we could have scored another couple, I think it probably what we deserved in the end as the boys held out."

Oliver also reserved praised for two goal hero McClean, who put in an impressive display in midfield.

"You know what you're going to get from Kyle, he was superb in the midfield for us today, but I think everyone put in a shift for us."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Crusaders boss Declan Caddell said that their 3-2 defeat against Linfield was a "hard one to take".

Kyle McClean opened the scoring for the Blues late in the first half, with Jordan Stewart replying for the Crues.

Matthew Fitzpatrick and McClean restored Linfield's lead, with Jimmy Callacher scoring what proved to be a late consolation for the hosts at Seaview.

"It was disappointing, I thought the conditions played a part in both halves, but it was a hard one to take, I wasn't entirely happy with our performance," Caddell told BBC Sport NI.

"I thought we were off it, we didn't really play and the goals we conceded weren't good enough for our level, that's probably the most disappointing thing."

Caddell was particularly frustrated by Crusaders' response after getting themselves level in the game.

"After we got the equaliser, to concede in the manner that we did five minutes later, that knocked us we found it hard to get back into it," Caddell admitted.

"Then Linfield were in the ascendancy, we got the late goal and could have scored right at the end, but we probably wouldn't have deserved it on reflection."

Image source, BBC Sport

New Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter says that his side made a "bright start" to his reign with a 2-1 win against Coleraine.

Goals from Paul Heatley and Danny Gibson gave Carrick their second successive league win, with Jamie Glackin pulling one back for the Bannsiders in the second half.

"There were lots of positives around the team, we asked a lot of them in a very short window about shape and they did it to a man, they were superb," he told BBC Sport NI.

The former Crusaders manager was particularly pleased with the fact that his team raced out of the blocks early in the game.

"We got off to a very bright start, we scored the two goals, and I thought we created two other great chances to score as well, it was a real blistering start to the game," Baxter continued.

"We had to weather a bit of a storm in the second half, and I’d like to see their goal back because it looked a mile offside, but the boys had to dig in.

"Their fitness levels probably need addressed and we’ll look at that but to get all three points is pleasing, but it is early days."

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Coleraine manager Dean Shiels says his side have to "try and respond" after defeat to Carrick Rangers extended their winless run in the Irish Premiership to three matches.

Goals from Paul Heatley and Daniel Gibson helped new Carrick boss Stephen Baxter to a debut 2-1 victory, with Jamie Glackin netting for the Bannsiders in the second half.

"It’s really poor in regards to the goals we conceded. Two individual mistakes and we have to be accountable," Shiels told BBC Sport NI after the defeat.

"In the second half we were on top and pushed for the equaliser, but it wasn’t enough. You can’t give yourselves that much of an uphill task.

"We have to try and respond to this bad moment we’re going through."

Coleraine are currently tenth in the Irish Premiership table and face league leaders and rivals Ballymena in their next league fixture.

Image source, BBC Sport

Carrick Rangers v Coleraine - Saturday 15:00 BST (live on Sportsound on Radio Ulster/BBC Sounds)

I think this is going to be close. We have to factor in the Stephen Baxter factor and the bounce a new boss brings, but Coleraine have plenty of firepower and are capable of scoring goods.

Prediction: I'm expecting goals - 2-2.

Crusaders v Linfield - Saturday 15:00 BST (live on Sportsound on Radio Ulster/BBC Sounds)

This is such a hard one to call. Crusaders won in the County Antrim Shield on Tuesday, but I expect this to be a completely different affair. Linfield will have the Joel Cooper factor, which was sorely missing on Tuesday, but the Crues are now in a more confident place after a couple of good wins. However, it’s important that David Healy’s side get back on track and I think they will.

Prediction: 2-1 win for Linfield.

Glenavon v Ballymena United - Saturday 15:00 BST (live on Sportsound on Radio Ulster/BBC Sounds)

The seems obvious to call this one a Ballymena United win, but I don’t think it’ll be as clear cut as that. Glenavon had great 2-1 win in the mid-Ulster derby last week and they’ll be hoping to build on that. Ballymena United are on an incredible run and they’re in a great place. While that has to come to an end eventually, I don’t think it’ll end this weekend.

Prediction: Ballymena United to win 3-2.

Glentoran v Dungannon Swifts - Saturday 15:00 BST (live on Sportsound on Radio Ulster/BBC Sounds)

Glentoran followed up their great victory against Linfield with a win in the Shield on Tuesday night. While it hasn’t always been free flowing football, the Glens have got some positive results. As for Dungannon Swifts, they have impressed me with their togetherness, both at home and away. John McGovern has been a great addition to Rodney McAree’s side.

Prediction: Too close to call so I’m going to sit on the fence – 1-1.

Portadown v Loughgall - Saturday 17:30 BST

I think this should be another great mid-Ulster Derby. I was at Lakeview Park when the sides shared four goals earlier in the season. At the minute Dean Smith’s side are struggling to replicate last season’s form. They had a good win against Annagh in midweek, but Portadown - with Ryan Mayse - will be a tough nut to crack.

Prediction: Given home advantage I’ll for a 2-1 Ports win.

Don't forget to join Harry and Eric White on Sportsound this week from 14:00 BST on Saturday for all the latest from the Irish Premiership. Available on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and on the BBC Sport website.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Image source, Pacemaker

Glenavon striker David McDaid admits he had a "chip on his shoulder" after his move to Mourneview Park in the summer.

The 33-year-old struggled for minutes at Ballymena United and Coleraine in recent years, but is the Lurgan Blues' top scorer with four goals in all competition.

Glenavon are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions and take on Irish Premiership leaders Ballymena United at Mourneview Park on Saturday.

"It's been a breath of fresh air and I'm really enjoying being back on the pitch," said McDaid, who said the atmosphere in the changing room at club was "phenomenal".

"At times last year you would think in your head, 'I'm getting on a bit here, might I pack it in?'.

"At the same time you have that chip on your shoulder where you want to prove a point.

"That's what my aim was this year, to show I can still play at 33. I still feel like I have a bit left in me yet."

McDaid struck an injury-time winner on Saturday in the first Mid-Ulster derby of the season with Portadown.

Having played in the derby for the first time, McDaid admitted he was surprised by how fierce a rivalry it is.

"I didn't realise how big that derby was, or how important it was to both clubs and the fans.

"It was nearly like a cup final atmosphere."

Image source, Coleraine FC/David Cavan

Coleraine have revealed that a 24-year-old property developer has joined the club as its latest financial backer.

Henry Ross's support adds to the Irish Premiership club's list of investors, headed by current owners Ranald McGregor-Smith and Patrick Mitchell.

Coleraine adopted a full-time model from the start of this season as a result of the substantial investment commitment they have received.

"This partnership reflects Coleraine FC’s strategic vision of engaging local talent and community support, driving progress in all aspects of the club. Notably, Henry is now among the youngest owners of a football club worldwide," read a statement released by the club.

Henry commented: "Growing up in the local area, I’m thrilled to have the chance to contribute to the club. Even at this early stage, I’ve met incredible people and immediately connected with the values of the co-owners.

"It was a no-brainer for me. Football clubs are complex, with countless variables at play. With Coleraine’s transition to professional football, it’s a fascinating journey, full of challenges, but I love being part of it. I enjoy watching the team play, whether it’s a sold-out home game or a Tuesday night away win in Ballinamallard."

"Henry’s passion for Coleraine FC is clear, and we are thrilled to welcome him into the Coleraine family," said Simon Magee, CEO of Coleraine FC. "His involvement will be instrumental as we build on our rich heritage and pursue excellence."

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Image source, Inpho & Carrick Rangers FC

Crusaders boss Declan Caddell says he always knew his former manager Stephen Baxter would return to the Irish Premiership.

Baxter was announced as Carrick Rangers manager on Monday after the departure of Stuart King.

Baxter, 59, left Crusaders in the summer after 19 years in charge at Seaview.

"I knew after a month or two off that he would miss it dearly. It's such a big part of his life," said Caddell, who spent his entire playing career under Baxter before replacing him in the Seaview dugout.

"It's probably fine over the summer where he could get away and play some golf and relax, which was well deserved.

"But when the nitty gritty starts when the season starts, and league starts, then he'd start to miss it."

Caddell added that Irish League management is in Baxter "DNA" and he expects him to turn the club's fortunes around.

"He has so much to give the Irish League," added Caddell.

"I think Carrick is a great place for him with a good squad and good players.

"They have that ambition for the future. It's a new project for him. He's refreshed and recharged, and he's ready to go again.

"He has so much to give the Irish League and it's good to see him on board again.

"He still has that hunger and that never goes away. I expect him to have a big impact there."