The latest round of Sports Direct Premiership action saw Coleraine inch ever closer to securing a top six berth, produced victories for Glentoran and Crusaders in the tussle for fourth spot, and earned Mid Ulster bragging rights for Loughgall.

The Bannsiders stand on the cusp of rubber stamping their place in the top six following a 1-1 draw with Dungannon Swifts at The Showgrounds.

Despite being forced to play for an hour with ten men following Stephen Lowry’s 30th minute dismissal Coleraine moved in front on the stroke of half-time through Matthew Shevlin, with Andy Mitchell levelling for the Swifts with around a quarter-of-an-hour remaining.

Glentoran swept to a comfortable four goal defeat of struggling Ballymena United at the BetMcLean Oval.

Luke McCullough broke the deadlock on 21 minutes after Shay McCartan’s corner wasn’t cleared.

The visitors were reduced to ten men when Mikey Place was sent-off early in the second half, with Daire O’Connor then doubling the home lead on the hour. McCartan struck with a third not long after that before O’Connor found the net again barely two minutes later.

Crusaders only needed one goal to get past bottom of the table Newry City at The Showgrounds.

What proved to be the winner came with just 12 minutes remaining courtesy of Ben Kennedy after he rose highest to nod home a Jay Boyd cross.

Meanwhile, Loughgall defeated Glenavon by the odd goal in three in the Mid Ulster derby at Mourneview Park.

The Villagers led at the break after Nathaniel Ferris converted from the spot on 28 minutes, with Robbie Norton doubling up just before the break with a curling free-kick from outside the area.

Niall Quinn did pull one back for the Lurgan Blues on the hour but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.