NIFL weekend round-up: Coleraine stay top as Annagh return to summit
Coleraine came from two goals behind to beat Larne 3-2 in Friday night’s headline NIFL Premiership fixture, while Annagh United returned to the top of the Championship after victory over Armagh City.
The weekend’s action across the BOYLE Sports Premiership and Championship took place on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October, with all 14 scheduled matches producing a result.
Coleraine fight back at Larne
Larne looked set for a major win after James Simpson scored twice to put the hosts 2-0 ahead. Coleraine responded through Joel Cooper and Matthew Shevlin before Cooper struck again to complete the turnaround and keep the Bannsiders at the top of the Premiership.
Portadown snatched a late 2-1 win away to Cliftonville. Ben Kennedy gave the visitors the lead before Brian Healy brought the Reds level. Substitute Jack Scott then headed home in stoppage time to claim the points for Portadown.
Ballymena United also came from behind, beating Crusaders 2-1 at the Showgrounds. Jacob Blaney scored inside the opening minute for the visitors, but Josh Archer equalised before Kodi Lyons-Foster headed the winner in the second half.
Carrick Rangers and Linfield shared four goals in a 2-2 draw. Kobei Moore and Matthew Fitzpatrick scored for Linfield, with Paul Heatley and Daniel Gibson replying for Carrick. Linfield goalkeeper Chris Johns was unable to convert a second-half penalty, which was saved by Nathan Gartside.
Glentoran left it late to beat Limavady United 1-0, with Daniel Larmour scoring in the 90th minute. Bangor and Dungannon Swifts played out the weekend’s only goalless draw.
Annagh back on top in Championship
Annagh United moved back to the top of the Championship with a 3-1 win over Armagh City. Craig Taylor opened the scoring early, Kris Calvert doubled the lead and, after Harry Adair pulled one back, Ryan McNickle sealed the win.
Glenavon strengthened their position near the top with a 4-0 victory over H&W Welders, while Newington edged a five-goal contest 3-2 away to Moyola Park. Aidan Kelly scored twice for Newington, including a late winner.
Rathfriland Rangers won 1-0 at Dundela. The remaining Championship games finished level: Ballinamallard United drew 2-2 with Warrenpoint Town, Queen’s University and Newry City shared a 1-1 draw, and Strabane Athletic and Loughgall also finished 1-1.
Weekend results
BOYLE Sports Premiership
Larne 2-3 Coleraine
Cliftonville 1-2 Portadown
Ballymena United 2-1 Crusaders
Bangor 0-0 Dungannon Swifts
Carrick Rangers 2-2 Linfield
Glentoran 1-0 Limavady United
BOYLE Sports Championship
Ards 0-2 Institute
Glenavon 4-0 H&W Welders
Moyola Park 2-3 Newington
Strabane Athletic 1-1 Loughgall
Armagh City 1-3 Annagh United
Ballinamallard United 2-2 Warrenpoint Town
Dundela 0-1 Rathfriland Rangers
Queen’s University 1-1 Newry City
External: Official NIFL Premiership results and official NIFL Championship results
Other sports news: https://belfastdesk.co.uk/category/sport/