Crusaders extend lead at the top with late strike at Ards
Just the four fixtures in the Danske Premiership as Glentoran, Linfield, Glenavon and CLiftonville don't play due to the international commitments of some of their players
Crusaders left it late to earn a one-nil win in their top of the table clash with Ards in Bangor, with Jordan Owens netting in stoppage time. The fractious encounter also saw two red cards being shown. Ards midfielder Gareth Thomas and Crusaders forward David Cushley were both sent off.
Ards could have leap-frogged Crusaders in to first place, but the Crues showed why they are champions when they took all three points in the Bangor Fuels Arena. Stephen Baxter's men now have a four-point cushion over Glenavon and Ards. Crusaders next league game will be when they invite Dungannon Swifts to Seaview next week, while Ards will host Glentoran.
All over. Ards 0 Crusaders 1. Don't you just love late goals
— Crusaders FC (@CrusadersFC) 3 September 2016
The in-form Dungannon Swifts shared the spoils with Ballymena United in a 2-2 draw. Swifts were firmly in control after two goals in four minutes at Stangmore Park opening up a 2 goal lead. However, Ballymena showed strength of character to peg the Swifts back and leave Stangmore with a well earned point. Next up in the league for the Swifts is a trip to Seaview to play Crusaders while Ballymena host Cliftonville at The Showgrounds.
Great praise from @BallymenaUnited manager David Jeffrey for Dungannon Swifts as well as our 'carpet' like surface. Thanks David!
— Dungannon Swifts (@DgnSwifts) 3 September 2016
Portadown were comfortable 4-0 winners over Carrick Rangers at Shamrock Park. The Ports are now halfway towards cutting the 12-point deduction goven to them at the start of the season. Portadown will face a tricky trip to Linfield next, while Carrick head north to play Coleraine.
Coleraine continued their much-improved form with a 3-0 win away to Ballinamallard United. The Ferney Park outfit are still waiting for that elusive first win and will have to face a trip to Mourneview Park next time out. They take on high-flying Glenavon. Meanwhile, The Bannsiders will host Carrick Rangers.
THREE AND EASY FOR BANNSIDERS - https://t.co/1GJYBgDFeh @Ballinamallard @ColeraineFC #DanskeBankPrem pic.twitter.com/VbYD7gRsid
— OfficialNIFL (@OfficialNIFL) 3 September 2016