SPORTS Direct Premiership action continues this weekend featuring five matches, including the enticing clash between second placed Cliftonville and third placed Crusaders heading into Matchday Four of the 2024/25 season.
Crusaders vs Cliftonville (Saturday, 3pm)
Both undefeated sides extended their win streak earlier in the week on Tuesday August 20 as the Crues defeated Ballymena 1-0 and the Reds took home a further three points with a 1-0 victory over Dungannon Swifts.
Declan Caddell’s team held an early one goal lead throughout their match against Ballymena thanks to an early goal from Kieran Offord’s diving header after five minutes of play. The St Mirren loanee striker has now doubled his goal tally after scoring the sole goal in the Crues’ campaign opening victory over Glentoran.
- Joel Cooper stars as Linfield make light work of Glenavon to go topOpens in new window
- Larne goalkeeper Ferguson doing his bit in preparation for European play-offOpens in new window
- Larne signs Young Player of the Year Benji Magee from LoughgallOpens in new window
- Linfield and Cliftonville look to go three for three in perfect start to the PremiershipOpens in new window
The Red’s Joe Gormley enjoys similar form as he also attains his second goal of the season by scoring in the second half at the Solitude. Cliftonville’s all-time record goal scorer turned the ball into goal from a low Shea Gordon cross after 64 minutes to triumph over McAree’s side.
It will be a battle between two inform strikers and solid defences as neither team has conceded over one goal in their campaigns thus far. The Crues will be hoping for a victory which will put them level on 9 points with Cliftonville as they host Jim Magilton’s side at Seaview on Saturday August 24.
Glentoran vs Carrick (BBC iPlayer) (Friday, 7.45pm)
Glentoran will host Carrick on Friday to open the Matchday Four fixtures with an intriguing contest between sixth and seventh place.
The Glens were held to a goalless draw at home on Tuesday when they hosted the Crues in midweek action. However, they may gain confidence from their upcoming opponents most recent defeat to Loughgall on Matchday Two.
Carrick Rangers had little response to a dominant Loughgall in a league 3-0 defeat with saw goals from a Jordan Gibson brace in the first half and a late finish from Benjamin Magee. The Rangers will hope the rest gained due to their absence from midweek football on Tuesday will give them the advantage heading into this mid table contest.
Linfield vs Loughgall (Saturday, 3pm)
Linfield remain top of the league on goal difference after a dominant 3-0 away victory over Glenavon after a first half masterclass against the Lurgan Blues which featured goals from Kirk Millar and brace from Joel Cooper. The performance slots Cooper into the top scorer spot with three goals already this season.
The Blues will be aiming to see off fifth placed Loughgall who are coming off a close affair against Portadown as each team salvaged a point in their midweek fixture. Loughall were able to cancel out early Portadown goals at the beginning of either half to end the contest 2-2.
A win for Loughgall could place them in the top three if results go their way and Linfield will be aiming for a victory to strengthen their place at the top of the table.
Dungannon Swifts vs Ballymena United (Saturday, 3pm)
Dungannon Swifts and Ballymena United will hope to reverse poor starts to their 2024/25 seasons as both sides hunt for their first win of their campaigns.
Rodney McAree’s squad were disappointed earlier in the week when they succumb to a single goal to Cliftonville at Solitude on Tuesday.
They will host Jim Ervin’s Sky Blues on Saturday who are still in search of their first point of the competition having conceded seven goals and lost of three of first opening games.
Coleraine vs Glenavon (Saturday, 3pm)
Oran Kearney’s Coleraine side were unable to find a goal against Glentoran at the BetMcLean Oval and had to settle for a point following their 0-0 draw.
The fourth placed Bannsiders will be aiming to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they host bottom placed Glenavon at the Showgrounds.
Stephen McDonnell’s men 3-0 defeat to Linfield on Tuesday added to their woes this season as their bleak form sees them linger in 12th place with zero points after three games.
Friday 23 August 2024 - Sports Direct Premiership (BBC iPlayer) (kick-off 7:45pm)
Carrick Rangers v Glentoran
Playr-Fit Championship (Friday, 7:45pm)
Bangor v Newington
Saturday 24 August 2024 - Sports Direct Premiership (kick-off 3pm)
Coleraine v Glenavon, Crusaders v Cliftonville, Dungannon Swifts v Ballymena United, Linfield - Loughgall
Playr-Fit Championship (kick-off 3pm)
Armagh City v Newry City, Ballinamallard United v Ards, Ballyclare Comrades v Annagh United, Dundela v Limavady United, Institute v HW Welders
