Ballymena United and Linfield both claimed narrow victories on a blustery afternoon to open up a gap at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership.

There were also win for Glentoran and Carrick Rangers, while in the evening kick-off Portadown defeated Loughgall.

The Sky Blues made it 11 straight wins in all competitions to remain a point clear, but they needed a Ben Kennedy penalty just after the hour to get the better of Glenavon at Mourneview Park.

The 27-year-old bagged the only goal of the game on 62 minutes after sending Gareth Deane the wrong way from the spot after Len O’Sullivan was adjudged to have fouled Aaron Jarvis.

Kyle McClean scored twice as Linfield defeated Crusaders by the odd goal in five at Seaview.

McClean opened the scoring just before the break with a low, hard effort into the bottom corner, but Jordan Stewart levelled just before the hour following a goalmouth scramble.

Matthew Fitzpatrick restored Linfield’s lead five minutes after that with a brave header, with McClean doubling late in the game with a neat finish from the edge of the box.

Jimmy Callacher was then credited with Crusaders’ second deep into stoppage time after some confusion in the box but the Blues held on to claim the points.

There was a winning return to management for Stephen Baxter who guided his new Carrick Rangers side to victory over Coleraine at Taylor’s Avenue.

Paul Heatley edged the ‘Gers into a tenth minute lead from close range, with Danny Gibson adding a second eight minutes from the break with a simple tap in.

Jamie Glackin pulled one back for the Bannsiders on the hour but it ultimately wasn’t enough to spoil the party for the home side.

Meanwhile, at the BetMcLean Oval, two goals early in the second half were enough for Glentoran to edge past Dungannon Swifts.

Scoreless at the break, David Fisher grabbed Glentoran’s first on 52 minutes with a strong finish past Patrick Solis Grogan with Patrick McClean adding the second just three minutes after that after meeting Danny Amos’ corner from the left.

And, in the evening kick-off, Steven McCullough's third minute strike turned out to be enough for Portadown to claim victory over Loughgall at Shamrock Park.