Glentoran moved into second spot while Glenavon kept their top six hopes alive and Portadown put a dent in Larne's European ambitions in a gripping Tuesday night of Danske Bank Premiership action.
The Glens hit two goals without reply against Cliftonville at Solitude. The first half ended scoreless despite plenty of industry from both sides before Rory Donnelly edged the visitors in front just before the hour when he touched home an Andy Mitchell ball across the face of goal.
Ciaran O'Connor then made sure of the points a couple of minutes from time after pouncing on the loose ball when Jay Donnelly's initial effort was kept out by Aaron McCarey.
A stoppage time winner handed Portadown victory over Larne at Shamrock Park. Stephen Teggart's 28th minute 25-yard left-foot strike into the top corner gave the Ports the advantage at the break, but Josh Robinson levelled for Larne just after the hour. However, Lee Bonis capitalised on a defensive error in the 92nd minute to fire past Conor Mitchell.
Glenavon raced into a commanding half-time lead against Warrenpoint Town at Milltown. Matthew Fitzpatrick's early goal, coupled with a hat-trick from Daniel Purkis combined to hand the visitors a strong advantage with 'Point having only a Ryan Swan strike to show by way of compensation.
But two quick fire goals very early in the second half from Adam Carroll and Francis McCaffrey threatened to turn the game on its head but Glenavon held on to claim the points.
