Irish League Football

Mark Simpson
BBC News NI correspondent

Thousands of football fans from Larne and Dublin have started arriving in Belfast for this evening's Europa Conference League match at Windsor Park.

In total, more than 5,000 supporters of Larne FC and Shamrock Rovers are expected in the city for the all-island encounter.

The game brings together the reigning Irish Premiership champions and the defending League of Ireland Premier Division champions.

Among the fans to arrive in Belfast at lunchtime from Dublin were Shamrock Rovers fans Tiernan Stynes, Cian Hassett and Josh Ward.

Cian said: “We’re just here to watch the football and enjoy ourselves. I’m confident of a 2-1 win.”

His friend Josh said: “We’re here to take the three points for a win and then enjoy the journey back down the road from Belfast to Dublin.”

There is heavier traffic than usual in Belfast due to the game, particularly around the Donegall Road and Boucher Road areas.

Police warned motorists in advance that there could be disruption and delays, especially in the area around Boucher Road.

The match is being played in Belfast as Larne’s stadium, Inver Park, is not big enough to host Uefa Conference League matches.

Rovers fans have been arriving in Belfast since early morning by bus, train and car, plus coaches hired by supporters’ clubs.

Kick-off at Windsor Park is 17:45 BST.

Image source, Inpho

Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton described his side's 2-1 Irish Premiership home success over Coleraine as an "important" win as they secured a first victory in six games.

The Reds went into Tuesday's game having dropped to the bottom half of the table after a five-game winless run which included defeats by Ballymena United, Larne and Carrick Rangers.

Joe Gormley's two goals - a first-half penalty and 66th-minute strike - earned Magilton's side the victory that moved them up to fifth spot in the table.

"Tonight was important for us. It was the game in hand if you like. We had to produce," said the Cliftonville boss.

Magilton acknowledged that his side's efforts in recent weeks had been "under par" but was delighted with the return to form, adding that his players had performed "really well".

The Reds won despite being without defender Shaun Leppard, who Magilton says is likely to undergo surgery later this week after suffering a broken fibula and dislocated ankle which will rule him out for the remainder of this season.

Coleraine boss Dean Shiels felt his side should have taken at least a point, which would have built on the momentum of Saturday's win over high-flying derby rivals Ballymena United.

"I thought the lads were brilliant. I thought we came here and dominated large parts of the game and created chances," said the Coleraine boss.

"It’s hard to accept coming away with nothing even though Solitude is always tough."

Shiels described Cliftonville's penalty as a "gift" after Graham Kelly was slow to clear and then clearly clipped Rory Hale and also felt Gormley's second goal came after a fortunate ricochet.

"That’s just a wee bit of bad luck. We didn’t get that luck around the box. We missed big chances in big moments," added Shiels of opportunities which included Matthew Shevlin heading over a glorious late chance.

Manchester United legend Patrice Evra is visiting Larne FC in the build-up to their Uefa Conference League contest with Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night and the Irish Premiership champions' newest fan says he has not made the journey to watch the Inver Reds lose.

Read more.

Image source, Inpho

Larne manager Tiernan Lynch believes that Saturday's 1-1 draw with Crusaders was "two points dropped" but is confident the goals will come.

After a goalless first half, Kieran Offord capitalised on an error from Larne goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson to open the scoring.

The reigning Irish Premiership champions hit back when Benji Magee netted with 10 minutes to play.

"It's definitely two [points] dropped from our end," Lynch said.

"It's really frustrating because I thought we were superb today. It was a really dominant performance and we played some really good football.

"One of the critical things was we didn't put the ball in the net.

"I thought we created a lot of good chances but just didn't finish them. That's part and parcel of it.

"We understand now that we're going through a wee period where we aren't scoring free-flowing goals, but I've no doubt that they'll come."

The draw leaves Larne 11 points behind leaders Linfield, however Lynch's side have three games in hand due to a backlog of fixtures with their historic Uefa Conference League qualification.

After defeat in Norway by Molde, Larne are back in European action on Thursday when they taken on League of Ireland title challengers Shamrock Rovers at Windsor Park in Belfast.

Image source, Inpho

Ballymena United manager Jim Ervin says he wants his players to respond after their eight-game unbeaten run came to an end against Coleraine.

Rhyss Campbell scored the winning goal in the second half as the Bannsiders picked up their first win in three matches.

Ballymena are still second in the table despite the defeat and Ervin was full of praise for a team who were in a relegation fight last season.

"The boys have been absolutely incredible for the run that we have been on," said Ervin.

"We knew at some stage that it would come to an end. Credit to our boys for the run that we have been on, but it's now all about the reaction.

"It's now all about us bouncing back."

Ervin felt there "wasn't much in the game" and said the derby was "flat".

"There was a lot of direct long balls from both sides.

"It probably wasn't a great game for the spectators.

"I'm not going to dig the boys out because the run they have been on has been incredible.

"I'll back them 100% but it's all about responding next Saturday [away to Crusaders]."

Image source, Inpho

Coleraine manager Dean Shiels says his side were in "full control" of their 1-0 derby win away to Ballymena United.

Rhyss Campbell scored the only goal of the game as the Bannsiders ended a run of three consecutive defeats.

"We started the game brightly and had loads of good moments. We dominated territory and dominated possession," Shiels said.

"There is always the worry when it's still 0-0 at half-time that we didn't capitalise on the pressure.

"We were street-wise in how we were able to see out the game and how to get the goal."

Shiels was pleased with the character from his side after a difficult run of form, against a Ballymena side who were flying at the top of the table after eight wins in a row.

"I'm proud of the players. For Coleraine, there is no better place to win than Ballymena away.

"The crowd were fantastic and we thoroughly deserved the win.

"It was a difficult period in terms of the three games we lost in a row. We didn't panic and we remained calm.

"We have a good changing room of young boys who are learning."

Image source, Inpho

Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter says that every point is "precious" after a 1-1 draw with Glentoran at the Oval.

David Fisher's deflected strike for Glentoran was cancelled out by Danny Gibson in the second half.

Jay Donnelly had an injury-time penalty saved by Carrick keeper Ross Glendinning.

Baxter's side moved further clear of bottom side Loughgall with the draw, which was Carrick's first point on the road this season.

"We deserved that point today," said Baxter, who replaced Stuart King as manager earlier in October.

"Coming to a venue like this, against a top, top team is brilliant for us.

"We'll fight for every point that is going right now. We'll see where it takes us but we're pleased with our day's work."

Carrick face Glenavon in their next league match and can move within a point of the Lurgan Blues with victory.

"We have to treat it one game at a time and pick the games off," Baxter added.

"We don't want to look at six games up the road and see where we want to be. You can't predict anything."

Andrew Mitchell and Leo Alves are on target as Dungannon Swifts beat Portadown 2-0 to continue their superb start to the season.

Rhyss Campbell scores the only goal of the game as Coleraine end Ballymena United's winning run with a 1-0 victory over their derby rivals at the Showgrounds.

Cliftonville are without a win in five Irish Premiership matches after being held to a goalless draw by 10-man Glenavon, who had Rhys Marshall sent off at Solitude.

Jay Donnelly misses an injury-time penalty as Glentoran are held to a 1-1 draw by Carrick Rangers at the Oval.

David Fisher fired home the opening goal before former Glentoran striker Danny Gibson equalised.