Ballymena United continued their winning streak to move to the top of the Sports Direct Premiership on an intriguing Saturday afternoon that also produced victories for Carrick Rangers, Glenavon and Crusaders.

The Sky Blues went into their clash with Loughgall at The Showgrounds knowing that a positive outcome would see them occupy pole position for the first time in around six yards, and they started in determined fashion with two goals in quick succession midway through the first half from leading scorer Ben Kennedy and Kym Nelson.

Jay Boyd pulled one back for the Villagers just past the half-hour mark, but United restored their two-goal cushion soon after through Andy Scott. Joe Moore then wrapped the scoring up on 58 minutes.

Carrick Rangers, beginning life without Stuart King and under the interim control of Mark Surgenor and Curtis Allen, put their recent troubles behind them with a 2-0 victory over Cliftonville at Taylors Avenue.

Daniel Gibson edged the ‘Gers in front on 24 minutes after running onto a Seanan Clucas pass, with Clucas getting on the scoresheet himself just after the hour with a clinical finish past David Odumosu.

Glenavon bagged the Mid Ulster bragging rights with a derby defeat of Portadown at Mourneview Park.

Ahu Obhakhan had handed the Ports the lead at the break when he bundled a Ryan Mayse delivery home at close range, but the Lurgan Blues hit back on 58 minutes after Jack Malone knocked Keith Ward’s lay-off past Aaron McCarey.

David McDaid then popped up right at the end to knock home the winner to secure the points for Stephen McDonnell’s side.

Meanwhile, at Seaview, Crusaders edged past Coleraine by the odd goal in three.

Stewart Nixon fired Declan Caddell’s men in front on 23 minutes with a shot past Max Little into the top corner, but the Bannsiders responded just over ten minutes later when Dylan Boyle sent a strong strike beyond Jonny Tuffey.

But the winner came on 56 minutes after Harry Franklin found Jordan Stewart with a well timed pass to send a low finish into the net.

On Friday Glentoran came from behind to defeat Linfield at Windsor Park.

The Blues moved in front through Joel Cooper on eight minutes, but the Glens hit back after the break when goals from Jay Donnelly, Frankie Hvid and Cameron Palmer saw the visitors win through.

And the action continues on Sunday when champions Larne welcome Dungannon Swifts to Stangmore Park, kick-off 2pm.