Crusaders extend their lead at the top, while nine man Linfield draw with Glenavon
Crusaders are six points clear at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership after a 1-0 win against Coleraine at Seaview on Saturday. Jordan Owens scored the goal, Crues keeper Sean O'Neill saved a late penalty from Lyndon Kane.
Second-placed Linfield staged an astonishing comeback to draw 2-2 with Glenavon at Mourneview Park. The Belfast team played for 80 minutes with just nine men after Matthew Clarke and former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Roy Carroll were both sent off in a chaotic start to the game.
Well done to the nine men today, fantastic battling performance. Safe home to all the fans. Fortune Favours the Brave.
— Linfield FC (@OfficialBlues) November 5, 2016
Glenavon then took a two-goal lead with strikes from another ex-international Paddy McCourt and Greg Moorhouse.
Linfield, with defender Mark Haughey in goals, somehow managed to level it - Andy Waterworth pulling a goal back before Paul Smyth raced through for a brilliant, 89th-minute equaliser.
Blues boss David Healy said it was a magnificent performance against all the odds:
Elsewhere on Saturday, Cathair Friel hit a hat-trick and Tony Kane converted yet another penalty as Ballymena beat Ards 4-2 in Bangor. The Sky Blues move up to third in the standings.
Cliftonville slipped to fourth as they were held to a 1-1 draw away to Dungannon - David McDaid missing a penalty for the Reds.
Bottom club Portadown ended a turbulent week on a high note by getting a scoreless draw against Glentoran at the Oval.
Many thanks to those supporters who made the trip to the Oval today to get behind Vinny & the team...much appreciated. 👏👌🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/teeK3Rkv5a
— Portadown FC (@Portadownfc) November 5, 2016
The Ports had been docked three points after Robert Garrett played while suspended in a win against Ards the previous Saturday.
The midfielder spoke to Q Radio Sport after the Glens game:
Glentoran are now unbeaten in five league matches under new boss Gary Haveron but the October manager of the month was disappointed to miss out on a fourth successive victory...