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Steven Crawford

Crusaders edge out Glentoran as Ballymena United stun Cliftonville

It was another day of drama in the Irish League as Linfield, Crusaders, Ballymena United and Coleraine all recorded victories.

The Crues moved up to second place in the Danske Bank Premiership as they came out on top in a five-goal thriller against Glentoran.

Adam Lecky nodded them in front early on before Danny Purkis levelled things up a minute later.

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Chris Hegarty restored the home side's lead before the break with another header.

But Jay Donnelly tied the game again after half time poking home from close range.

Stephen Baxter's men weren't to be denied though and that man Hegarty grabbed the winner with another close-range header.

Ballymena United put Cliftonville to the sword as they ran out 4-1 winners at The Showgrounds.

The impressive David McDaid put them in front nine minutes before the break.

The striker then teed up Kym Nelson and Josh Kelly before the hour mark as the hosts surged into a 3-0 lead.

Ronan Hale pulled one back for the Reds with 20 minutes to go, but it was only a consolation as Ryan Wiade teed McDaid up for his second of the game.

Champions Linfield extended their unbeaten run with a routine win over Carrick Rangers.

Eetu Vertainen's first half brace put the Blues in control before Ben Tilney reduced the deficit with ten minutes to go.

Robbie McDaid wrapped up the points in stoppage time as David Healy's men moved up to third.

Matthew Shevlin fired Coleraine in front after on three minutes at The Showgrounds as they took the points against Dungannon Swifts.

Conor McDermott's impressive run and finish doubled their lead on 11 minutes.

The Swifts improved after the break but Ben Gallagher's deflected shot on to the bar was the closest they came to a goal.

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