NI Premiership Round-up - Week 1
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The Northern Irish Premiership, with new sponsors Danske Bank on board, started with a major shock over the weekend with champions Linfield suffering a surprise 2-0 defeat away at Ballymena United.
18 year old Jamie Davidson struck in either half to ensure Glenn Ferguson gained victory over his former club as United ran out worthy winners.
The result overshadowed a dramatic day in Ferney Park as Ballinamallard came from two goals down to claim a point against Dungannon Swifts in the Fermanagh sides' first ever Premiership tie.
The Mallards went two goals down in the first half, the opener due to a howler by former Longford Town keeper Alvin Rouse, but fought back in the second half securing a share of the spoils with a last minute goal from former Manchester United trainee Chris Curran.
Last year’s second and third placed teams both recorded victories, with former Dundalk defender Gary Breene getting one of the goals in a Portadown’s 4-2 victory over Lisburn Distillery, though Cliftonville needed a last minute Chris Scannell penalty to overcome Glenavon.
Elsewhere Setanta Cup champions Crusaders were comprehensively beaten 3-1 by Coleraine, with Glentoran defeating Donegal Celtic at home by the same scoreline.
