Irish League Football

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Glentoran manager Declan Devine says his side have "a lot of goals left to achieve" after clinching their first silverware for five years when they lifted the County Antrim Shield by beating Larne in the decider at Seaview in January.

The Shield triumph helped Devine win the January Northern Ireland Football Writers' Manager of the Month award.

The Glens lie second in the Irish Premiership table, 17 points behind leaders Linfield but with two games in hand, as they aim to secure the runner-up spot which would guarantee them European qualification.

The east Belfast side are well in the running to increase their trophy haul this term, as they will face Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup final on 9 March and have reached the last eight of the Irish Cup, in which they will play Bangor on 28 February.

"There are good opportunities and we want to take every opportunity afforded to us," said Devine.

"At a club of the magnitude of Glentoran it's an expectation [to win trophies]. We were delighted [to win the Shield] but it comes with the territory. It was an amazing night and seeing the supporters, a lot of supporters haven't seen Glentoran lift a trophy in a long time.

"Some of the players were playing in their first final and collecting their first winners' medal. A lot of young players there, three or four players that have come through the academy."

In addition to collecting the Shield during January, the Glens progressed through two rounds of the Irish Cup, including a dramatic last-16 win over Belfast 'Big Two' rivals Linfield, won two BetMcLean Cup ties to reach the March final and took a win and a draw from the two league matches they played.

"It's been frantic to say the least. We've had a lot of high intensity games and difficult games," said Devine.

"Between the players and the backroom team they have all worked so hard to get through a really difficult period – winning a trophy and still going unbeaten. It's testimony to the group."

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Coleraine manager Dean Shiels was delighted that his side "found a way to win" as they edged Carrick Rangers 1-0 to get back to winning ways in the Irish Premiership.

Rhyss Campbell scored a scrappy second half winner as the Bannsiders ended a three-game winless streak in the league and picked up their first league win in 2025.

And Shiels was proud that side his side showed a doggedness to help see out the narrow victory.

"We won ugly, we had to be concentrated the whole 90 minutes and sometimes it's about finding a way," he told BBC Sport NI.

"Rhyss has popped up with some important goals for us and that's another one. I felt we deserved it, we kept knocking on the door and then we managed to see it out," Shiels continued.

"We know we can win by playing really good football but sometimes you have to win ugly, and we proved that today. We feel like we have momentum now, so we need to keep pushing."

'Lapses in concentration are costing us dearly'

Carrick Rangers boss Stephen Baxter expressed his frustration with the goal they conceded as his side's winless run in the league stretched to seven games.

"It was such a terrible goal to concede, the way it crawls over the line and people don't defend the box, it was a terrible way to lose the match," he said.

"We have battled bravely the last two or three games but those lapses in concentration are costing us dearly."

The result leaves Carrick in the promotion/relegation play-off place, nine points behind Glenavon who have a game in hand.

Despite their precarious position, Baxter is confident that his side can start picking up results by staying calm.

"We're in an awkward position but you can't start losing faith, we have to make sure there is no panic around, we need to find solutions," he added.

"The team is playing well so let's hope they pick up some results."

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Larne boss Gary Haveron said he was "bitterly disappointed" by the manner of his side's 1-0 defeat against Crusaders at Inver Park.

The Crues opened the scoring against the run of play through Jordan Forsythe in the first half and managed to nullify Larne's attacking threat to take home all three points.

Haveron was frustrated that his side lacked quality in the final third despite their dominance in the game, with Larne now 22 points behind leaders Linfield with five games in hand after the loss.

"For all the possession that we had we just haven't done enough, we haven't created enough clear-cut chances and when we did get in behind, we seemed to hit Jimmy Callacher with every ball," he told BBC Sport NI.

"We've got done with the one chance they had and that is bitterly disappointing. We were flat and didn't hit the heights we expected of ourselves."

'We deserved the three points'

Opposition manager Declan Caddell praised the disciplined display from his Crusaders side as they picked up a win that moves them up to fourth in the table.

"It's a hard place to come and get a result, but we were outstanding to a man, we had the work ethic and desire, and we deserved the three points," he said.

"I thought the goal was brilliant and was probably overshadowed by the defensive display, we had to soak up a lot of pressure and we knew that would happen, and we were comfortable with it."

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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.

Read more.

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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)