Free scoring Larne hit another five goals to return to the top of the table on a weekend that also produced victories for Linfield, Cliftonville and Newry City.

Tiernan Lynch’s side needed half-an-hour to open the scoring away to bottom of the table Portadown when Leroy Millar slotted home from six yards to be followed swiftly by a Ben Doherty finish.

But the real damage was done in a blistering three minute spell early in the second half when Lee Bonis, Doherty again and Cian Bolger all found the net in quick succession.

Larne had been temporarily knocked off the top overnight after Glentoran returned to the summit following a scoreless draw away to Coleraine.

Two Ryan Curran goals – one in each half – handed Cliftonville the points from their visit to face Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.

He broke the deadlock on 23 minutes with a rolled finish following a period of pressure, and made sure just after the hour with a close range header from Luke Turner’s cross.

Linfield came from down to claim victory over Glenavon at Windsor Park.

Scoreless at the break, Micheal Glynn fired the visitors in front on 58 minutes with a stunning 25-yard strike, but Linfield levelled ten minutes after that through Daniel Finlayson from close range. The winner came with five minutes remaining courtesy of Robbie McDaid from around 20 yards.

Meanwhile, in the evening game, Newry City defeated Carrick Rangers at The Showgrounds.

Donal Rocks opened the scoring for City midway through the first half but Andrew Mitchell levelled for the visitors just before the break.

However, two goals in quick succession just after the hour mark secured the points for Darren Mullen's side. Philip Donnelly made it 2-1 with a close range volley, with James Teelan finding the net not long after that on the rebound after Rocks saw his initial effort blocked.

Teelan then doubled his tally in the final minutes to complete an emphatic victory for the home side.