The lead in the race for the Danske Bank Premiership changed hands once again as Linfield returned to the top with victory over Ballymena United on a night which saw their two title rivals, Glentoran and Cliftonville, clash at the BetMcLean Oval.

And the Blues had to do it the hard way at The Showgrounds. They led at the break thanks to Steven McCullough's 35th minute own goal but had to play almost the remainder of the game following Christy Manzinga's dismissal a few minutes later.

But a Chris Shields spot-kick, awarded after Jamie Mulgrew had been brought down by Sean Graham with just over a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, saw David Healy's ten-men secure the points.

Meanwhile, at The Oval, a Rory Hale goal early in the second half handed Cliftonville victory over Glentoran when he slotted past Aaron McCarey after getting on the end of Ryan Curran's ball forward from the edge of the area.

It was a big night at the bottom of the table. Carrick Rangers came from two goals and a man down to earn a point from Portadown's visit to the Loughview Leisure Arena while Dungannon Swifts defeated Warrenpoint Town by the odd goal in five at Milltown.

Elsewhere, a Philip Lowry finish midway through the first half secured the points for Crusaders at home to Coleraine while Matthew Fitzpatrick struck deep into stoppage time to cancel out Lee Bonis' third minute opener as Larne and Glenavon shared the spoils at Inver Park.