Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ryan summit special with precious goal
CLIFTONVILLE boss Paddy McLaughlin hailed his team’s character after they nicked a precious 1-0 win over Ballymena United at Solitude.
The victory kept the Reds at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership table after Ryan Curran hit a crucial winner.
Chris Curran provided the cross with a free kick and Ryan Curran slotted the ball past Jordan Williamson.
“Ballymena made it difficult for us in the first half, but we were a different team in the second half and all the credit must go the boys,” said McLaughlin. “The first half wasn’t good enough and Ryan again came up with the winner.”
In the basement battle at the Loughshore Leisure Arena, Dean Shields’ DUNGANNON SWIFTS grabbed a vital 2-1 win over
Carrick Rangers.
Cahal McGinty headed Dean Shiels’ side into a first half lead. Then, Darragh McBrien bundled home a second after the break.
It was a nervy final few minutes for the Swifts after David Cushley scored from the penalty spot.
Matthew Fitzpatrick hit a late winner to earn GLENAVON a 1-0 win over Crusaders at Mourneview Park.
Crusaders were down to 10 men before Fitzpatick struck, having midfielder Robbie Weir sent off after picking up two yellow cards.
Hotshot Jay Donnelly hit a delicious double in Glentoran’s 3-1 win over Portadown at the BetMcLean Oval.
Defender Michael Ruddy shot the Ports into a surprise first half lead with a stunning 25-yard thunderbolt, but Donnelly slotted home before the break.
Donnelly struck again after the restart, capitalising on an error from Phil Finnegan before Conor McMenamin grabbed the insurance third for Glentoran.
Tiernan Lynch’s LARNE turned up the heat after the interval, romping to a 3-0 win over ailing Warrenpoint Town at Inver Park.
Albert Watson began the goal rout with Davy McDaid and
Ronan Hale getting in on the act.