Well, that's it from another exciting afternoon of Premiership action.

Only two games, but plenty of excitement and drama to keep us entertained.

Join us for live radio coverage of Tuesday night's League Cup second round as Ballymena begin the defence of the trophy they won last season on BBC Radio Ulster medium wave and the BBC Sport NI website from 19:30 BST.

We'll have score updates and of course we'll be back for another round of matches next Saturday.

Bye for now.

So Linfield are back on top of the table, ahead of Coleraine on goal difference, with Glenavon third, two points behind the pacesetters.

All three clubs are unbeaten in the campaign so far.

Crusaders continue their recent domination of the north Belfast derby with their 11th win in the last 12 games between the sides.

The Crues back to winning ways and up to fourth in the table.

Matthew Snoddy blasts over the bar from four yards out and then Gavin Whyte is denied by Brett Long as Crusaders push for a third.

They were made to battle all the way but champions Linfield make it four wins out of four as they continue their perfect start to the season.

Still no goals conceded either by the Blues as they begin the defence of their title in style.

Close but no cigar for Ballymena. Manager David Jeffrey will be happier with his side's performance but just one point from four outings isn't the start to the campaign he was looking for.

The fourth official indicates eight minutes of injury time at Solitude.

Still hope for the hosts?

Soon after going behind Ballymena are reduced to 10 men when Andrew Burns is sent for an early bath by referee Evan Boyce after a late challenge on Jamie Mulgrew.

Linfield eventually break down Ballymena's stubborn resistance through Andrew Mitchell's well-struck 78th-minute penalty.

Mitchell was brought down inside the area and stepped up to blast past Brennan from the spot.

The second of the season for the former Crusaders midfielder, who was also on target in last week's 4-0 victory at Dungannon.

Cliftonville defender Levi Ives receives a straight red card for a high 'over the top' lunge on Declan Caddell, who is stretchered off.

A late and dangerous tackle by Ives and referee Tim Marshall had no choice but to send off the Reds player. Both sides now down to 10 men.

A melee involving several players ensues but calm is soon restored.

Paul Smyth's curling long-range strike is met by an acrobatic save from Conor Brennan as Linfield continue their search for an opener.

More urgency and intent in the second period from David Healy's men.

Crusaders captain Colin Coates is sent-off for two rash challenges on Joe Gormley in the space of two minutes.

63 minutes gone and we could be in for an interesting last half hour.

Cliftonville still trail 2-0 at Solitude but the Reds are more in the game in the second half. Not creating any clearcut chances though.

Linfield go close as Kirk Millar's corner from the right is met by the head of Mark Haughey, but his attempt is cleared off the line by Fra McCaffrey.

Paul Smyth almost breaks the deadlock soon after. Linfield piling on the pressure with a series of corners.

Roy Carroll makes a fine diving left-handed save to deny Kyle Owens' rifled effort at the start of the second half.