Irish League Football

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  1. 'Huge potential' - Linfield sign Baird from Glenavonpublished at 17:28 BST 27 August

    Isaac BairdImage source, Pacemaker

    Irish Premiership champions Linfield have bolstered their squad with the signing of midfielder Isaac Baird on a two-year deal from Glenavon.

    Baird, 20, completes the switch to Windsor Park after asking Glenavon to make him available for a transfer.

    The youngster began his career at Lurgan Town and Portadown before joining Glenavon in 2022.

    "It feels brilliant to sign for the biggest team in the country," said Baird.

    "The next step in my career is to come to Linfield and fight for my place, trophies and success.

    "At Glenavon I played with a lot of ex-Linfield players who spoke so highly of the club and told me how good it is here. That always really sold it to me, I've always wanted to play for Linfield."

    Linfield boss David Healy said: "Isaac is a player who has impressed us whenever we've faced him over the past couple of seasons.

    "We have had our eye on Isaac for a number of years now and at just 20 years old, he already has significant Premiership experience and we believe he has huge potential to develop further here at Linfield."

  2. Teenager Madden joins Brentford from Cliftonvillepublished at 16:42 BST 27 August

    Coran Madden against Kodi Lyons-FosterImage source, Press Eye
    Image caption,

    Madden made his debut for Cliftonville as a 15-year-old against Loughgall

    Teenager Coran Madden has left Cliftonville to sign for Premier League side Brentford.

    The 16-year-old became the youngest player in the Reds' history when he made his debut and registered an assist in a 4-0 win against Loughgall in November.

    Madden went on to make eight more Irish Premiership appearances for Jim Magilton's side and scored his first goal in a BetMcLean League Cup win against Armagh City.

    Speaking to the Bees' website upon signing for the west London club, Madden said he was excited to get started.

    "I like the fact that I can get better every day, just that one per cent every day," he said.

    "I really can't wait. Hopefully I can provide goals, assists and show what I can do."

  3. Carleton stars as Cliftonville beat Lisburn Rangerspublished at 22:29 BST 25 August

    Vickly CarletonImage source, Pacemaker
    Image caption,

    Vicky Carleton scored twice for Cliftonville at Solitude

    Cliftonville defeated Lisburn Rangers 3-1 to keep their hopes of retaining the Women's Premiership title alive.

    The Reds have five points off leaders Glentoran but have a game in hand.

    Linfield currently split the Glens and Cliftonville, and are two points off the top.

    Midfielder Vicky Carleton opened the scoring in the 34th minute when she finished Kirsty McGuinness' ball into the area.

    Carleton was on target again seven minutes after the restart, but Abbie Smyth swiftly pulled a goal back for Lisburn.

    However, Caitlin McGuinness secured the win with 11 minutes to play when she headed home a cross fro her sister, Kirsty.

    It was a big win for the Reds as they look to defend their title, while Lisburn Rangers remain in fourth place.

  4. Watch: 'We didn't do enough' - Magilton on Linfield losspublished at 18:08 BST 24 August

    Media caption,

    'We didn't do enough' - Jim Magilton

    Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton laments his side's lack of cutting edge in their 1-0 defeat against Linfield at Windsor Park.

    Kieran Offord scored the winner for the Blues in the first half, with Cliftonville without a win after four league games.

    Magilton also refused to comment on speculation surrounding Cliftonville's proposed takeover by the Toronto Investment Group, stating he had "no idea" on progress being made.

    Read more: Fine Offord goal helps Linfield beat Cliftonville

  5. Super sub Shevlin 'buzzing' to score late winnerpublished at 21:18 BST 23 August

    Matthew ShevlinImage source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Shevlin netted his first goal of the season by netting the winner off the bench against Glenavon

    Match-winner Matthew Shevlin said that whilst he was "disappointed" not to start against Glenavon he was "buzzing" to come off the bench and score the winning goal.

    Shevlin headed home from Lyndon Kane's cross on 89 minutes to help the Bannsiders to a 2-1 victory against 10-man Glenavon.

    The striker, who was the league's top goalscorer last season, was pleased to open his account for this campaign and snatch all three points for Coleraine.

    "I was disappointed not to be playing but that is the nature of the squad, it is very competitive but I'm buzzing to come on and score the winner," he told BBC Sport NI.

    "The gaffer did say during the week that one of the substitutes will probably win the game for us as it will be a tough game so I'm happy to have come on and done that!

    "I thought the first 15-20 minutes that I came on we weren't getting the ball into the box enough, we were pondering on it, so I told Lyndon to get the ball in the box quicker and next time he got it he did, and I scored, so happy days."

    Shevlin believes the gritty win from the unbeaten Bannsiders shows they have the character to match their talent as they aim to challenge for the title.

    "We have the quality in the squad, but it is whether we have the other side, the grit and determination and so far, in the first four games, we have shown we have both sides of the game."

  6. Kelly's goal 'nice way to cap off' injury returnpublished at 19:56 BST 23 August

    Josh KellyImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Kelly scored his first goal for Glentoran in their win over Crusaders

    Glentoran midfielder Josh Kelly said scoring his first goal for the club was "a nice way to cap off" his return from injury.

    Kelly, who joined the club in 2023 from Ballymena United, spent a year out injured after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in August last year.

    After returning in pre-season, Kelly netted Glentoran's second in their 2-0 win against Crusaders, their fourth consecutive victory which continues their impressive start to the campaign.

    "It's lovely to score on a personal note but the most important thing was we backed Tuesday up [a win against Glenavon] and got another three points," he told BBC Sport NI.

    "Getting a goal is massive, I've been playing in and out at the start of the season as I'm only back a couple of months after a year out.

    "It was a tough thing to go through but to get the goal today was a nice way to cap it off [coming back] and to contribute to the team is a really good feeling."

    Kelly is hoping that Glentoran can show the consistency they lacked last year as they look to build on their positive start and challenge for trophies.

    "Everyone in that changing room is hungry to bring success to the club and hopefully we can do that this year."

  7. Corbally 'showed what he is capable of' in Bangor winpublished at 18:23 BST 23 August

    Kian CorballyImage source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Corbally scored twice in the second half to help Ballymena pick up a comfortable win

    Ballymena United boss Jim Ervin was pleased with the contribution of Kian Corbally in the home side's 4-0 victory against Bangor.

    Corbally netted twice as the Sky Blues recorded their third successive league win and clean sheet at the Showgrounds.

    And Ervin believes there is still plenty more to come from the 21-year-old forward, who signed for the club from Wexford in January.

    "He is a talented footballer which is why we brought him because we know what he can deliver and it's been good for him to get on the scoresheet," Ervin told BBC Sport NI.

    "We've been telling him off for weeks because he doesn't shoot often enough and he's shown today what he is capable of."

    Ervin was also delighted with the ruthless streak his side showed with Calvin McCurry and Ben Kennedy also scoring to help the Sky Blues continue their good start.

    "It ended up a routine victory. We came in leading at half-time, but I thought we were fortunate we were a bit sloppy, and I had a go at the boys at half-time," he added.

    "Then we got off to the perfect start second half, scored almost immediately and that helped us settle, then to go get the fourth, I was delighted.

    "People have questioned us off the back of last year and rightly so, but three wins and three clean sheets, I don't think anyone would have believed it."

  8. Lomboto red 'unbelievably poor call' - McLaughlinpublished at 17:56 BST 23 August

    Media caption,

    Highlights: Shevlin heads Bannsiders past Glenavon at Mourneview

    Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin says the decision to send off forward Francely Lomboto was an "unbelievably poor call".

    Substitute Lomboto was sent off by referee Mark Dillon for an off the ball incident with Coleraine captain Lyndon Kane with 14 minutes remaining when the game was level.

    Coleraine piled pressure on in the closing stages and found a late winner through Matthew Shevlin.

    "It was an unbelievably poor call and it changed the game completely," McLaughlin said.

    "We talk about referees every week and nothing seems to be done about them.

    "It's about time we done something about this because it's scandalous every week."

    McLaughlin's side remain without a win in four matches despite a strong performance against Coleraine.

    Adam Long opened the scoring before Paul McGovern equalised with the Lurgan Blues' first goal of the season.

    McLaughlin said the game was on a "knife edge" when Lomboto was controversially dismissed, and "you can't give Coleraine a man advantage".

    "We were already up against it as it is. That's the kind of things that can happen to you when you get off to a poor start or are on a poor run of results," he said.

    "The performance was excellent and the commitment from the players was excellent.

    "It gives you a lot of encouragement going toe to toe with the title favourites".

  9. Swifts an 'embarrassment' in Carrick loss - McAreepublished at 17:41 BST 23 August

    Rodney McAreeImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Rodney McAree guided Dungannon Swifts to the Irish Cup last season

    Rodney McAree has described Dungannon Swifts' performance in Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Carrick Rangers as an "embarrassment".

    After the highs of a top half finish and Irish Cup triumph last season, McAree's side have started the season with four defeats in as many matches.

    Saturday's loss at home to Carrick came courtesy of Adam Lecky's first-half double and McAree said the Swifts weren't "good enough" as they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

    "It was an embarrassment for me to be associated with," McAree said.

    "I have to take responsibility, but it was embarrassing for the supporters and it was tough to watch.

    "They don't deserve that."

    Carrick continued their undefeated start to the season and McAree admitted "the hungrier team won" at Stangmore Park.

    The 51-year-old called on his players to respond in their next game away to Bangor on Saturday.

    "We started the game brightly and had opportunities," McAree said.

    "We had two or three good chances, but we didn't show the hunger or desire that's needed to put the ball in the back of the net.

    "Carrick put the ball in the box twice and scored from both of them. To be fair to Carrick, they looked hungrier and had the desire to win the game."

  10. Lack of goals our 'Achilles heel' - McLaughlinpublished at 10:36 BST 23 August

    Paddy McLaughlinImage source, Pacemaker
    Image caption,

    Paddy McLaughlin is confident his team will turn things around

    Creating and taking chances has been Glenavon's "Achilles heel" according to manager Paddy McLaughlin, whose side are still seeking their first points of the season.

    The Lurgan Blues were improved in their 2-0 defeat at Glentoran on Tuesday but are still to hit the net this season as they prepare to welcome Coleraine to Mourneview Park on Saturday (15:00 BST).

    McLaughlin was happy with much of what his team did at the Oval, but is aware that performances must translate into points.

    Glenavon are joint bottom with Dungannon Swifts, who are also yet to register this campaign, but there is no panic setting in according to the manager.

    "It's been our Achilles heel so far this season - we're not being clinical or ruthless enough in the final third," McLaughlin said after their loss to Glentoran.

    "It's a results business and we're disappointed with the results so far, but there were positives in the chances we created as we hadn't created anywhere near enough this season. If we can take the chances we are creating, hopefully the results will turn.

    "People tend to panic after two or three games, but there's no panic with our boys. They've confidence in their ability and I've confidence in their ability. When we get scoring and points on the board, the season will take off.

    "We've got ambitions to do well this year but have got off to a poor start, but as soon as we turn things around, there's enough ability in the changing room to climb the table."

  11. Blues, Derry, Larne and Reds into Challenge Cup semi-finalspublished at 22:46 BST 22 August

    Caitlin McGuinness celebrates scoringImage source, Press Eye
    Image caption,

    Caitlin McGuinness scored twice to help holders Cliftonville past Crusaders

    Holders Cliftonville progressed to the semi-final stage of the Women's Challenge Cup with a thumping 5-0 win against Crusaders at Seaview.

    Linfield also cruised into the last four with an emphatic 5-1 victory against rivals Glentoran at Midgley Park.

    Larne held off Championship side Ballyclare Comrades, fighting back to win 4-2 to move into the next round.

    Derry City eased to a 3-0 win over Lisburn Ladies to book their place in the last four.

    First-half goals from Naomi McLaughlin and Caitlin McGuinness gave the Reds a comfortable half-time lead against their north Belfast rivals.

    They added to their advantage in the second half courtesy of another goal from Caitlin McGuinness and strikes from Marissa Callaghan and Katie Markey.

    Linfield produced a similarly ruthless display to knock out Glentoran.

    The Blues scored two early goals to race into the lead before Demi Vance missed a penalty before the break.

    Mia Moore pulled one back for the visitors on the stroke of half-time, but a double from Eve Reilly and a goal for Cora Chambers secured Linfield's place in the semi-finals.

    Larne survived a scare as they made a stirring second half comeback after trailing 2-1 a half-time against Ballyclare.

    The important goals arrived in the last 20 minutes of the game as Aimee-Lee Peachy, Starr Dougherty and Erin Montgomery scored to see them through.

    Three second-half goals were enough to help Derry beat fellow Women's Premiership side Lisburn.

  12. 'Any role the owners ask me to do I will do' - Haveronpublished at 22:27 BST 22 August

    Gary HaveronImage source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Haveron led Larne to their first Irish Premiership win of the season against Portadown

    Interim Larne boss Gary Haveron praised Mark Randall's display as his side picked up their first win of the season in style with a 4-0 triumph over Portadown at Inver Park.

    Matthew Lusty opened the scoring for the hosts with Randall then netting twice and Tiernan O'Connor rounding off the scoring.

    And Haveron was pleased with midfielder Randall's two goals and his overall performance.

    "We knew the importance of the game and to get three points," he told BBC Sport NI.

    "When we got the first one it settled us, then the second from a well worked set- piece and credit to Alan Manus for that as he works on our attacking set-pieces.

    "Mark Randall was a joy to watch all night then he dispatched the penalty and the fourth was the icing on the cake."

    Randall also passed up the opportunity to top a fine display with a hat-trick. When the second penalty was awarded soon after the first, he allowed O'Connor to hit it.

    "Mark is not about personal accolades, whatever is right for the team he will do. When Tiernan lifted the ball Mark was happy to let him hit it."

    Haveron is in his second spell as interim boss in recent seasons and says he will discuss with the owners over the weekend their plans moving forward for appointing Nathan Rooney's permanent successor.

    "I've been at the club eight years, and I've loved every second, it has been unbelievable learning under Tiernan [Lynch] and briefly Nathan," he added.

    "I am enjoying preparing the boys for games, but the owners will decide what they what to do and we'll try to move forward.

    "We will talk with them at the weekend and any role they ask me to do I will do."