Goals may have been at something of a premium this weekend in the Danske Bank Premiership but those that were scored proved to be highly significant.

Crusaders kicked the weekend off with a 2-1 defeat of Linfield at Seaview. Joel Cooper had opened the scoring for the Blues early in the second half but Philip Lowry levelled just before the hour with Jordan Forsythe bagging the winner with eight minutes remaining.

Also on Friday night, a solitary Lorcan Forde finish on 61 minutes helped Newry City claim their first home victory of the season at the expense of Dungannon Swifts, who still seek their first point.

Moving onto Saturday leaders Glentoran continued their unbeaten start to the campaign with a narrow win over Coleraine at the BetMcLean Oval.

Conor McMenamin celebrated his inclusion in the senior Northern Ireland squad when he knocked home the rebound after Jay Donnelly's 62nd minute strike was initially palmed away by Martin Gallagher.

Larne, the only other side yet to be beaten thus far, came away from their trip to Portadown with the points thanks to Paul O'Neill's 28th minute winner. The 22-year-old was allowed space to connect with Ben Doherty's delivery and nod the ball beyond Jethren Barr.

Cliftonville moved into second spot following victory over Glenavon at Mourneview Park but they left it late before Ronan Hale made the breakthrough with an 83rd minute curling free-kick into the bottom corner.

And one goal also proved to be the difference between Ballymena United and Carrick Rangers at The Showgrounds. The Sky Blues saw a first half penalty saved, and they were made pay for that not long after the interval when David Cushley fired home what proved to be the winner with a crisp, left-foot strike.