Irish League Football

Image source, BBC Sport

Two of Saturday's Irish Premiership fixtures have been postponed due to frozen pitches.

Ballymena United v Glentoran at the Showgrounds and Glenavon v Coleraine at Mourneview Park were both called off on Saturday morning following cold weather which brought snow and ice to parts of Northern Ireland this week.

The Sky Blues and the Glens met in the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night, with the game switched to the Oval after heavy snowfall in the Ballymena area made the pitch at the Warden Street ground unplayable.

The game between Glenavon and Coleraine was postponed after a pitch inspection on Saturday morning at Mourneview Park.

The three other Irish Premiership games on Saturday are still set to go ahead with Crusaders hosting Dungannon Swifts, Linfield taking on Carrick Rangers and Loughgall facing Portadown.

Image source, Pacemaker

Larne midfielder Dylan Sloan said he was delighted to celebrate signing a new long-term contract with the club by scoring his second goal in as many games in Friday's 2-0 win over Cliftonville at Inver Park.

The 20-year-old doubled his side's lead on 79 minutes after earlier pressurising Reds defender Luke Conlan into turning the ball into his own net for the opener in the first minute of the second half.

Sloan was also on target in the champions' 3-1 away win at Crusaders on Tuesday.

"Tuesday was my first goal in about a year or so and now I've scored again so that will get my confidence up," the 20-year-old told BBC Sport NI.

"Performance wise I thought we did well in some ways, and we had to dig deep.

"Cliftonville had decent possession during the game, but I thought we controlled it off the ball as well so hopefully we can kick on from here."

The victory over Jim Magilton's side moved the back-to-back champions into fifth in the Premiership table ahead of Saturday's programme of five fixtures, the first time they have occupied a position in the top half this season.

"We've been lacking quality at times the last couple of months but we have scored five in the month of January so far so we will just have to take that onto the next game.

"We have a lot of games in hand and we have to realistically go into those and win all of them if we want to win the league for the third time in a row.

"Linfield are well ahead so we still have a lot to do but hopefully we can catch them."

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton says Ryan Curran's disallowed goal in Friday's 2-0 defeat by Larne was a "really poor decision".

Curran had a header ruled out for offside at the end of the first half before Larne hit the opener within 60 seconds of the restart.

Cliftonville's players and staff were incensed with the decision to disallow the goal, which Magilton said would have been "just rewards" for their first-half performance.

"For the life of me I can't understand why it wasn't a goal. They are trying to say it was offside, but nobody from Larne complained.

"Not that they would, but there wasn't any arms going up for offside or anything like that as opposition players will do if they are confident it is offside."

To compound Cliftonville's frustration, Luke Conlan turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Dylan Sloan to give Larne the lead immediately after the restart.

Rory Hale had a chance to equalise but Sloan wrapped up the win, which condemns Cliftonville to a fourth league defeat in a row.

"It's a really poor decision and it's cost us but it still doesn't take away how badly we started the second half," added Magilton.

"It's starting to become an annoying trend, for me and the staff, that we start second halves really poorly.

"We had opportunities to clear our lines and didn't, and then it's a really poor goal.

"Then we get another suck-punch, another really poor goal and against quality opposition like Larne there is no way back."

Image source, Getty Images

Louise Thompson will become the first female to referee a men's Irish Premiership game when she takes charge of Saturday's match between Crusaders and Dungannon Swifts at Seaview.

The Fifa official made history back in July 2020 by becoming the first female to referee an Intermediate Cup final.

She has also been in the middle for Irish Cup and Championship games, as well as Women's Premiership matches, and been fourth official at Premiership fixtures.

The Northern Ireland referee has also gained significant experience at international level, including being in charge for women's international games.

The Fermanagh woman refereed the Women's Champions League encounter between Breznica and Birkirkara in September 2024.

Thompson was referee for last week's Irish Cup fifth-round tie between Linfield and Wellington Rec at Windsor Park, which the hosts won 4-0.

Image source, David Cavan/Coleraine FC

Cliftonville midfielder Ronan Doherty has joined Irish Premiership rivals Coleraine for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old becomes Dean Shiels' second January recruit after former Cliftonville defender Paddy Burns signed for the club on Thursday.

The Reds confirmed in a statement that Doherty, who joined the Solitude club in 2019, had already agreed a move to the Bannsiders at the end of the season but leaves this month after the two clubs agreed a fee.

"He's an all-round top midfielder in the league and we are delighted to have him," Shiels told the Coleraine website.

"He fits the profile of what we are trying to build here. Having lost Ciaron Harkin and Mackenzie Carse, we are more than pleased to bring in someone of Ronan's quality and we are looking forward to working with him."

On Thursday, Shiels said Coleraine would not be signing unattached Gavin Whyte having previously expressed interest in the Northern Ireland international.

Cliftonville have also confirmed that on-loan Taylor Steven has been recalled by parent club St Johnstone.

The 20-year-old winger scored four times in 20 appearances for Jim Magilton's side after joining in August last year.

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Glentoran manager Declan Devine has been named as the Northern Ireland Football Writers' manager of the month for December.

The Glens boss guided his charges to three victories and one draw in the Irish Premiership during the final month of 2024, a run which helped propel his side to second spot in the top flight table.

The Oval outfit were 3-1 winners against Crusaders at Seaview, ran out 2-1 victors over Cliftonville at Solitude, drew 0-0 with Linfield on Boxing Day and defeated Portadown 2-0 at Shamrock Park.

The east Belfast side also began the month by beating big Belfast derby rivals Linfield 1-0 at Windsor Park to advance to the quarter-final stage of the BetMcLean Cup.

"When I came in at the end of last season I felt we needed a reboot, a reset," said Devine who was originally put in temporary charge after former manager Warren Feeney's departure, before taking on the role on a permanent basis.

"We have a good fight about us, a good spirit about us, and the lads enjoy coming into work every day.

"Long may that continue because we have to continue to raise standards, continue to raise levels of performance. We know we have a lot of work to do."

Devine was recently rewarded for his efforts by receiving a new two-and-a-half year contract which will see him remain at the helm with the Glens until 2027.

"Everyone is pulling in the one direction at Glentoran - it's a real positive place and we'll continue to build on that," added the ex-Derry City and Bohemians boss.

"We have to continue and strive every day to get better.

"We have to be challenging for titles and trophies but we have to understand the room for improvement. We have to get that mentality of winning trophies back into the building."

Image source, BBC Sport

Larne v Cliftonville (Friday, 19:45 GMT, live on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website)

Gary Haveron got a great result during the week against Crusaders. Jim Magilton's team have had a hard week, but they're two big teams competing for a place in Europe. It'll be close!

Prediction: 1-1

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

Glentoran are on a good run. They've really picked up a bit of stability, with Declan Devine signing a new contract at the club. On the other hand, Jim Ervin's team haven't managed a win at home in quite some time. I do think Jim will turn it around, however, Glentoran will just nick this one.

Prediction: 1-2

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

This is a big game for Stephen Baxter and his team - they need the points! Linfield look to be running away with the title at the moment, but I think Carrick will sit in and make it hard for them to open the game up. It could be a late winner to decide this one.

Prediction: 1-0

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

Dungannon have been brilliant at home and they have had a really good season so far. It's been an up and down season for Crusaders with a bit of a transition with the new manager coming in the summer. I think it's a great appointment, it'll just take time for them to gel properly and get back to being a top-four side in the league.

Prediction: 2-2

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

Big Derby game! Loughgall need the points, while Portadown are going really well this season. Dean Smith has brought a few decent players in, and I think they'll pick up with that.

Prediction: 2-2

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

I covered this game the last time these two met, it ended 3-3 and it was unbelievable! I think Dean Shiels has his team in good shape going forward, but defensively they were poor and Glenavon scored three goals going long and direct. Since Paddy McLaughlin has come in Glenavon have really picked up. There will be plenty of goals in this one!

Prediction: 3-3

Stuart King will be on commentary alongside Joel Taggart for Ballymena United v Glentoran at the Showgrounds as part of Sportsound's coverage of the Irish Premiership.

Image source, Getty Images

Coleraine head coach Dean Shiels admits the club had interest in signing Gavin Whyte but he would be "really, really surprised" if a move materialised, as the club announce the signing of Paddy Burns.

Northern Ireland winger Whyte left Portsmouth in August by mutual consent and has been linked with a return to the Irish Premiership or a move to the League of Ireland.

The 28-year-old left Crusaders in 2018 and has scored five goals in 30 international caps.

"There was interest from us, I'm not going to deny that, but there is interest from several clubs," said Shiels.

"I would be really, really surprised if Gavin arrived at Coleraine.

"I don't think we're in the running for that one."

Linfield winger Joel Cooper has been heavily linked to a move to Coleraine, with a pre-contract reportedly agreed for a summer switch to the Showgrounds.

However, a move has been finalised for defender Burns, who was most recently with Cliftonville.

Shiels says he was "delighted" to agree a deal for the 24-year-old until the end of the season.

He declined to comment on any move for Cooper, either in the January window or in the summer, saying it would be "disrespectful" to speak about players from other teams.

"I'd love to talk about players and signings and other things but I just can't," he added.

"I wouldn't like it done if it was my players so I don't want to discuss other players from other teams."

"I don't think it's appropriate. I can say that we are trying to strengthen in this window and we are working hard to add some depth."

Image source, Pacemaker

Linfield striker Matthew Fitzpatrick has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Windsor Park until 2027.

The 30-year-old joined Linfield from Glenavon in 2023 and won the BetMcLean Cup last season.

He has scored six league goals as David Healy's side top the Irish Premiership table in the current campaign.

Fitzpatrick said he has "loved it" at Linfield and he is aiming for more success in the future.

"There's obviously different demands at a full-time club and a club like Linfield compared to what I was used to before", the striker told Linfield TV.

"I still am adjusting to it in some aspects but I'm really enjoying my football and I welcome the hard work and the expectation.

"I'm starting to show what I can do over the last year or so and hopefully it leads to more success for the club."

Manager Healy said that Fitzpatrick has been a "quality player" throughout his 18 months at the Irish Premiership leaders.

"He has been hitting good form this season as he has settled into the full time environment and demands of full-time football," added Healy.

"His work ethic and dedication have been second-to-none since he walked into this football club and I'm confident we'll see even more from him in the coming years."

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Larne head coach Gary Haveron says the coming months will continue to test the depth of his squad as they chase silverware on three fronts.

The Invermen still have five games in hand over Premiership leaders Linfield, whom they trail by 19 points, plus they face a BetMcLean Cup semi-final against Cliftonville on 14 January and a County Antrim Shield final with Glentoran seven days later.

Next up for Haveron's charges is a league encounter with Cliftonville at Inver Park on Friday night, which will be broadcast live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

"We've got Cliftonville back-to-back and the Glens back-to-back in our next four games so it doesn't get much easier because they're probably two of the most in-form teams," reflected Haveron.

"If you want to win the hard competitions and get into the later stages you're going to need your squad and everyone playing in the same direction.

"We can't slog the same 11,12, 13 boys. It's really going to have to go into the 16th, 17th, 18th man and it'll test the strength and depth of our squad. That gives younger players a chance and we have faith in everyone we have at our disposal."

Mannus 'very professional'

The appointment of former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Alan Mannus as goalkeeping coach at Larne was confirmed earlier this week.

"Anybody who knows Alan as a person will tell you that he's probably one of the most professional people you're ever going to come across," enthused Haveron.

"Since he has come in he's obviously very thorough – he's an excellent communicator, a good teacher, and had a stellar career himself.

"He has a real presence about him – when he speaks you listen."

Mannus succeeds another ex-NI stopper, Alan Blayney, in the role.

"It'll be a good boost for the goalkeeping department but what I can't undersell is the impact Alan Blayney had over the past five years. He's been incredible for us.

"You only have to see the clean sheet record over recent seasons, the amount of goals that we don't concede, he has been immense for us."

Image source, SNS

Ross County forward Ronan Hale is now eligible to play for Northern Ireland.

International clearance for the Belfast-born 26-year-old has come through from Fifa after a number of months of waiting for paperwork to be finalised.

Hale had previously represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level.

The former Larne and Cliftonville forward, who has scored five times in 20 Scottish Premiership games for Ross County this season, is now available to be selected by Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill.

Hale, who started his career at Birmingham City, has also had spells will Derry City, Crusaders and St Patrick's Athletic.

He scored two goals in last season's Irish Cup final to help Cliftonville to their first truimph in the competition since 1979.

He then moved to Scottish Premiership side Ross County for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

Image source, Presseye

Glentoran first team coach Tim McCann says there will be "no resting on our laurels" despite the club extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches by beating Ballymena United 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night.

Second-half goals from strikers Jordan Jenkins and David Fisher ensured their passage to a home semi-final against Crusaders.

"It's great for any club to be involved in cup competitions and go as far as you can because it creates momentum as well and creates camaraderie," said McCann.

McCann added that the Glens had to be patient against a defensively solid Ballymena side to advance on Tuesday night.

"Ballymena came here with a gameplan and it worked very well. Some of our boys were getting frustrated. We told them to be patient at half-time - just work their angles, try and get in behind, be a little bit more careful on the ball and show a little bit more creativity.

"Jordan Jenkins does what he does best. Just pure instinctive. James Singleton sets him inside and he just hits it first time.

"I don't think three keepers would have saved that but give credit to Ballymena. They kept fighting on and it took us a while to get the second goal but once we got the second goal late on, it helped us through."

"It's all down to the attitude and the work rate of the players. They bought into what Declan [Devine] wants to do since pre-season and it's all started to come to fruition and hopefully we can continue this and keep going.

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Glentoran striker Jordan Jenkins says team spirit and cameraderie is key to the club's recent good form which has seen them go nine games unbeaten in all competitions.

Jenkins scored the first goal as his side saw off Ballymena United 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals of the BetMcLean Cup, where they will face Crusaders.

The forward spent last season on loan at east Belfast neighbours Dundela but is very much part of Glens manager Declan Devine's plans this term.

"I'm just happy to be chipping in with goals. This year is the first year I have been involved and it's probably the best year. The group is so tight and everyone is so together. We don't get too high and we don't get too low.

"We've all set our own targets as to what we want to achieve and to achieve for the club.

"We want to push on now and bring silverware back to the club, continue our momentum."

Recent signing Shane McEleney started Tuesday's game, with another acquisition, Christie Pattison, being introduced as a substitute off the bench.

Ciaran Coll is also available in January, while more additions to the squad are expected.

"The more people coming in the better the squad is going to get and it's going to push people on for places and make the squad stronger. Hopefully there's more to come in," added Jenkins.

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Larne manager Gary Haveron says his side "dug in" to earn a 3-1 victory over Crusaders in Tuesday night's Premiership game.

Tomas Cosgrove put the champions in front before Jacob Blaney blasted in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Levi Ives made it 2-1 before Jimmy Callacher's late own goal sealed victory for the visitors.

"We made hard work of it - we were absolutely fantastic in the first half and we probably should have been two or three up," said Haveron.

"So I'm disappointed we didn't take our chances and be more clinical. But when the chance came [for the opener] we took it really well.

"Again, we switched off from that excellent first half to concede right at the death. But the boys dug in, went again and got their rewards."

It was a positive response from Larne after their shock Irish Cup defeat by Championship side Limavady United on Saturday.

"We know we let ourselves down and the club down with the performance on Saturday - it wasn't a Larne performance in any way.

"We had to come out here, run ourselves to a standstill and show that we're still a top, top side in this league."