It was a Boxing Day to remember for large parts of the Danske Bank Premiership as bragging rights were secured across the league … and maybe one to forget for the rest!

The day kicked off at 2pm when Glentoran hosted Linfield at the BetMcLean Oval.

The Blues led at the break thanks to Chris Shields’ successfully converted spot-kick on 40 minutes, but they were pegged back early in the second half when Jay Donnelly connected with a Paddy McClean cross to level for the Glens.

That was how it stayed until the closing moments of normal time when Eetu Vertainen popped up to fire Linfield to the points.

That moved David Healy’s side to within touching distance of leaders Larne after they were held to a scoreless draw at home to east Antrim neighbours Carrick Rangers in the evening game at Inver Park.

Elsewhere, it was home wins across the board as Coleraine, Crusaders, Dungannon Swifts and Glenavon all picked up a festive three points.

At Seaview Crusaders hit three goals without reply past fierce rivals Cliftonville.

The deadlock was broken with around a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock when a Paul Heatley corner went in off the back of Reds defender Luke Turner.

Heatley then got on the scoresheet himself midway through the first half after he connected with a Jarlath O’Rourke ball into the box before, late in the game, Jordan Owens made it 3-0 with a strike from distance.

Coleraine continued their recent run of form with a comfortable defeat of Ballymena United.

Both goals came in the first half with Conor McKendry opening the scoring on 23 minutes before, just over ten minutes later, Matthew Shevlin doubled their lead in off the underside of the bar.

Matthew Fitzpatrick hit both Glenavon goals as they defeated Portadown 2-1 in the Mid Ulster derby at Mourneview Park.

Scoreless at the break, Fitzpatrick edged the Lurgan Blues in front early in the second half with a close range strike into the top corner.

Barney McKeown then levelled after bundling home a Jordan Jenkins corner but Gary Hamilton’s charges sealed the win with Fitzpatrick’s second with around a quarter-of-an-hour to go.

Meanwhile, at Stangmore Park, Dungannon Swifts collected a vital three points with a win over Newry City.

Ethan McGee handed the Swifts the lead at the break with a 28th minute finish low into the corner. James Knowles then made sure midway through the second half with a stunning 25-yard set piece.