NI Premiership Round-up - Week 11
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Ballinamallard United went top of the Danske Bank Premiership after the first round of matches when they deservedly overcame Coleraine 1-0 in Ferney Park.
The Fermanagh based side, who contain a number of former League of Ireland players in their ranks, have shot to the summit on the back of a remarkable run of six consecutive victories, conceding only two goals in those games.
The run is all the more noteworthy when considering that Whitey Anderson’s men have accounted for all of last season’s top four teams and have been lauded from all sides for their fluid passing style.
The game against Coleraine broke into life in the second half with the Mallards creating a host of chances before Ryan Campbell deservedly broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute with his seventh goal of the season.
Former Longford and Sligo Rovers midfielder Jason McCartney almost doubled the lead in the closing minutes but it made no difference as the referee blew for time shortly afterwards sending the Mallards top in their inaugural season in the top flight.
They move ahead of Cliftonville on goal difference as the Reds came down to earth with a bang, losing the North Belfast derby to arch-rivals Crusaders by three goals to one.
Crusaders had a number of early chances as they dominated the opening stages before Timmy Adamson pounced on a loose ball in the box to give the home side the lead, which they doubled before half time through Jordan Owens.
Gary McCutcheon sealed the points for Crues when he prodded home in the 55th minute and although Liam Boyce grabbed a consolation for Cliftonville it was not enough to prevent his side losing their second match of the season.
Glentoran slipped to fifth behind Crusaders as a Darren Murray penalty was enough to give Portadown the points in the Oval. The result gives the Ports their first away victory this season, moving them up to eighth in the table.
Linfield were denied all three points by Josh Calhoon’s injury time equaliser for Dungannon Swifts but the game was overshadowed by a mass brawl on the final whistle involving players and supporters that will no doubt be investigated by the Irish FA.
The mêlée was sparked by Adam McMinn’s heavy tackle on BJ Burns and the Linfield man received a harsh red card when he retaliated, while McMinn collected a booking.
David Armstrong, who had given the champions the lead in the first half, and Dungannon’s Terry Fitzpatrick were given red cards after the brawl but they may not be the only one’s who are punished once the incident is reviewed.
Declan McGreevy’s reign as Donegal Celtic manager got off to a less than auspicious start as they lost out 3-0 to Lisburn Distillery in the battle of the basement sides while Ballymena United edged out Glenavon by two goals to one in the week’s final fixture.
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