It was a good day for the top three at the end of another hugely significant afternoon in the Danske Bank Premiership.

Larne, Cliftonville and Linfield all picked up three points while Crusaders were held away to Ballymena United and Newry City recorded a potentially crucial victory over Glenavon.

Leaders Larne maintained their six point gap but they were made to work for their 3-2 victory away to neighbours Carrick Rangers.

Andrew Ryan opened the scoring for Tiernan Lynch’s side just after the hour, but Carrick levelled moments later thanks to a Kyle Cherry free-kick. Two goals in three minutes midway through the second half from substitute Paul O’Neill tipped the balance back in favour of the leaders but Cherry struck again with a late spot-kick to set up a nervy finish.

Cliftonville defeated Glentoran with teenager Sean Moore bagging both goals in the 2-1 win at Solitude.

The 17-year-old opened the scoring after just 11 minutes from the edge of the area, before finding the net again just after the half-hour mark. Glentoran responded well, hitting the woodwork through Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe but they had to wait until early in the second half to pull a goal back when Terry Devlin fired high into the net from close range.

Linfield hit two goals without reply past Coleraine at Windsor Park.

Chris Shields broke the deadlock early on with a penalty with less than a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock, with Eetu Vertainen doubling their lead five minutes after the interval.

Crusaders, in fourth spot, carved out a scoreless draw away to Ballymena United. Despite the outcome both sides had chances to claim the points with both keepers being on top of their game to keep the opposition at bay.

Newry City picked up a much needed three points with a 2-0 defeat of Glenavon at Mourneview Park.

Olajuwon Adeyemo bagged the opener on 24 minutes after outpacing the home defence, with John McGovern doubling up later in the first half.

The win moves Darren Mullen’s side three points clear of Dungannon Swifts, who had lost to Portadown on Friday evening. Paul McElroy claimed the match ball with all three goals for the Ports while Ethan McGee knocked home the Swifts’ consolation.