LARNE RED AND BURIED

CLIFTONVILLE put another big dent in Larne’s title challenge with a 1-0 victory at Solitude yesterday.

The visitors were caught napping early on and Ronan Doherty’s fifth minute goal proved the difference (above).

Graham Kelly was initially to blame as Cliftonville’s Chris Curran robbed him before sliding a low ball across the box. Fuad Sule had a chance to clear but got his feet in a muddle, allowing Doherty to fire in with his left-foot.

CRUSADERS closed the gap on second-placed Larne to three points thanks to a comeback win over BALLYMENA

UNITED at Seaview.

Joe McCready’s close range finish put the Sky Blues in front but a lucky break saw the Crues level it up as Jamie McGonigle’s cross caught on the wind and drifted over the head of Ross Glendinning and into the net.

The home side made the most their luck by taking the lead a minute into the second half thanks to an audacious effort from Paul Heatley (inset), who cleverly hooked the ball home with his back to goal.

GLENAVON edged a sevengoal thriller away to

RANGERS, holding off a fightback to win 4-3.

Colin Coates and Conor McCloskey goals put the visitors in control before Lloyd Anderson pulled one back before the break.

A Caolan Loughran penalty levelled the scores before Peter Campbell and Michael O’Connor (penalty) made it 4-2.

Glenavon’s Lee McNulty was sent off and

Loughran volleyed home to give Carrick a chance but the visitors held

on.

Portadown’s game against Dungannon was called off after a pitch inspection.

GARETH FULLERTON

NEW Northern Ireland Under 19 and U17 boss Gerard Lyttle has unveiled Andy Waterworth, Gareth McAuley and Roy Carroll as his new backroom team.

Linfield striker Waterworth has been named as Lyttle’s assistant, while former senior internationals McAuley (above) and Carroll take up coaching roles with the underage sides.

“Andy and I share the same beliefs in terms of coaching and style and systems of play,” said Lyttle. “Andy has a good knowledge of the youth players coming through the systems. He’s a top coach and has a great way with the young players. This appointment was a no-brainer for me.”

McAuley and Carroll bring a wealth of club and international experience to their roles.

Both men were also part of the Northern Ireland squad that reached the 2016 Euro finals in France.

“Gareth is at the start of his coaching journey. It will be brilliant to have someone of his experience around our players while away at tournaments and camps,” said Lyttle (inset). “He will play a big part not just in helping with the coaching but also being an ambassador to our players.

“I’m excited to have Roy in working with our young goalkeepers. He brings not only professionalism to the group but also a winning mentality which will be fantastic for young players.

“He has the knowledge and experience of playing at the highest levels both at club and international level. He understands what it takes to represent your country and again this will have a positive effect on the group.”

Northern Ireland senior manager Ian Baraclough welcomed the appointments.

“I’m really keen to encourage our former international stars to come back into the fold in this way. It’s part of the fabric of what I feel any manager should be doing,” he said.

“Gareth and Roy are inspirational players that have been there and done it.

“Having them involved is good for us but, more importantly, it’s even better for the young players who will benefit from their experience and expertise.

“There is a real eagerness from them to get involved which we are harnessing and alongside Andy Waterworth it’s a backroom team to match any out there.”