LEADERS LARNE DIG IN TO PIP RANGERS

Carrick Rangers 2 Larne 3

LEAGUE leaders Larne proved their mettle once again by coming away from Carrick with a 3-2 win yesterday.

Tiernan Lynch’s side had to be patient but their class told just past the hour mark when a delightful one-two between Andy Ryan and Lee Bonis opened up the Carrick defence, with Ryan (above) clipping home a composed finish.

Carrick equalised almost straight away as a Kyle Cherry free kick from wide on the left floated all the way into the net off the far post but a poacher’s header from sub Paul O’Neill saw Larne retake the lead.

O’Neill bagged a second when tucking home from 12 yards after a Bonis header teed him up.

But the game was back in the melting pot when defender Cian Bolger was sent off for handling Ben Tilney’s goal-bound shot.

Cherry buried the penalty but the 10 men held on for the win.

Linfield kept up the pace at the top of the table by seeing off Coleraine 2-0 at Windsor Park.

Chris Shields scored from the spot early on after Dean Jarvis had been penalised for handball in the box.

Eetu Vertainen added the second just after break, netting from close range after Gareth Deane had saved a Matthew Clarke header.

Glenavon’s rotten form continued as they went down 2-0 at home to Newry City.

Olajuwon Adeyemo raced clear before thumping home and John McGovern’s strike secured the victory before the half-time whistle.

Crusaders’ title hopes suffered a setback as they were held to a goalless draw by Ballymena United at The Showgrounds.

On Friday night, a Paul McElroy inspired Portadown closed the gap on fellow strugglers Dungannon Swifts to eight points with a game in hand.

McElroy netted a hat-trick in the 3-1 win with Ethan McGee briefly levelling for Dean Shiels’ Swifts.