The often unpredictable nature of the Danske Bank Premiership was starkly demonstrated this weekend with a set of results which ripped up both the form book and confounded the pundits alike.

It was a weekend when the top six played the bottom six but, in many cases, the outcomes weren't as might have been predicted.

It was especially beneficial for Glentoran who hit three goals with reply past Carrick Rangers at the Loughview Leisure Arena to close the gap on the top two. Jay Donnelly hit a brace for the Glens either side of a Shay McCartan strike early in the second half.

Mick McDermott's side took advantage of both leaders Cliftonville and champions Linfield being held to 1-1 draws by Portadown and Warrenpoint Town respectively.

The Reds fell behind to a Stephen Teggart goal on 50 minutes but recovered to salvage a point thanks to Paul O'Neill with just over ten minutes remaining while Linfield did momentarily hold the advantage over Warrenpoint Town at Windsor Park courtesy of Christy Manzinga's 14th minute opener only for Jonathan Leddy to level for 'Point soon after.

By contrast Crusaders turned in a clinical performance to hit four goals past Dungannon Swifts at Seaview. Josh Robinson and Ross Clarke struck in quick succession midway through the first half with Ben Kennedy helping himself to a double, the first coming moments from the break and the second just after the hour.

Elsewhere, Glenavon defeated Coleraine thanks to Matthew Snoddy's 82nd minute strike at Mourneview Park while, on Friday night, Conor Keeley and Paul McElroy scored for Ballymena United as they came from behind to beat Larne at The Showgrounds.