Glens left under the weather as rain halts final friendly outing

THE majority of Danske Bank Premiership clubs completed their pre-season commitments over the weekend — although the weather forced an early conclusion to Glentoran’s preparations.

Their friendly encounter with Ballyclare Comrades was abandoned early on when heavy rain rendered parts of the Dixon Park pitch unplayable while, at Solitude, Cliftonville overcame Leinster Senior League side Swords Celtic in similarly torrid conditions.

It wasn’t just the thunder and lightning that caused a shock across north Belfast, with Larne overcoming Crusaders 2-1 at Seaview thanks to goals from Martin Donnelly and David Scullion either side of Kyle Owens’ leveller.

Owens’ former employers Ballymena United were held to a 1-1 draw by Limavady — who saw Ryan Logue cancel out Ryan Mayse’s opener — while Coleraine hit eight without reply against Dergview at The Showgrounds.

Nathan Clifford’s own goal set the Bannsiders on their way before Alex Gawne, Ciaron Harkin, Stephen Lowry and Josh Carson had the hosts five to the good before the interval, after which Eoin Bradley, Gawne and Ian Parkhill extended the Irish Cup holders’ advantage.

Ards suffered a surprising 4-3 loss to Rathfriland Rangers, Dungannon Swifts got the better of derby rivals Ballinamallard United 3-1 and Institute came from 2-0 down to defeat Derry City 4-2 in the annual Billy Kee Memorial Cup match at the Brandywell.

Glenavon, meanwhile, yesterday lost 4-3 to Usher Celtic in Dublin.