It was another massive Saturday in the Danske Bank Premiership season at both ends of the table as four big matches all ended in home victories.

The top of the table clash at Inver Park between Larne and Cliftonville eventually went in favour of Tiernan Lynch’s side as Leroy Millar’s opening goal in the first half was complimented by Andy Ryan’s goal on 76 minutes. Despite a late scare from ten-man Cliftonville as Johnny Addis reduced the deficit with eight minutes left to set up a grandstand finish, it is Larne who remain top of the Danske Bank Premiership with a three-goal lead over the chasing pack.

Third placed Linfield put their midweek troubles behind them to bounce back against a resilient Carrick Rangers side thanks to second half goals from Eetu Vertainen and Kyle McClean. However, manager David Healy will be forced to weigh up injuries suffered by Robbie McDaid and Ryan McKay in the first half.

Crusaders continued their impressive home form in the Danske Bank Premiership by turning over visiting Coleraine at Seaview to remain firmly in the title race. Paul Heatley opened the scoring for the Crues and a late second goal eventually came from Adam Lecky to move the Crues ahead of their opponents into fourth place.

There was an early evening Mid Ulster Derby to bring the Premiership gameweek to a close which did not disappoint as bottom placed Portadown upset the form guide to pick up a vital win against Glenavon. New signing Alan O’Sullivan scored twice as Niall Currie’s side picked up a morale boosting three points but still remain eleven points from safety with ten games remaining.