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Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree urges his team on in the 1-1 draw against Linfield at Windsor Park
DUNGANNON Swifts hurt Linfield’s title aspirations with a 1-1 BOYLE Sports Premiership draw at Windsor Park, while Cliftonville were the big winners with a stunning 7-1 success against Carrick Rangers at Solitude.
Former Antrim GAA star Matthew Fitzpatrick gave the Blues a first-half lead. Kobei Moore should have extended the advantage after the break but missed a sitter and moments later Steven Scott scored a 66th-minute equaliser.
Linfield’s Ethan McGee picked up a second yellow on 77 minutes but the Swifts couldn’t find a late winner, leaving the second-placed Blues two poins behind Coleraine at the top.
Brian Healy and substitute Rhyss Campbell both bagged doubles in Cliftonville’s stroll against Carrick, which should see the Reds approach Tuesday’s ToalsBet Co Antrim Shield semi-final against Bangor at Solitude full of confidence. In a big week for Jim Magilton’s side, champions Larne come calling to north Belfast on Friday night.
Magilton admitted hitting an experienced Carrick side for seven was the perfect tonic for the week ahead.
“We played really well. Our quality in the final third was excellent. We were clinical. I’m obviously delighted,” he said.
“I was disgusted with the Carrick goal! We were 4-1 up at half time but we wanted more. We weren’t being cocky in any way. I just wanted us to be ruthless.
“Carrick have a fantastic manager (Stephen Baxter) and quality players but it was our day.”
As for the Shield semi-final at home to Bangor on Tuesday, Magilton added: “It’s a big game, winner takes all. It’s important for both teams and we look forward to it. Then it’s Larne but my focus is totally on Tuesday night.”
A goal from Ballycran hurler Ben Arthurs was enough to give Bangor a 1-0 win over Ballymena United at the Showgrounds, meaning the Seasiders leapfrog Portadown at the foot of the table.
Bangor boss Lee Feeney was delighted with Arthurs’ overall contribution – particularly a goal with hsi foot rather than his head.
“He has been playing really well. I’m glad he scored a goal with his foot and it was outside the box which is unheard of! It was a quality strike. I’m so pleased for him,” said Feeney. “He got pulled and tugged all day long and he dealt with that.
“He can be a really, really top player for a long time and he needs to realise that.”
Feeney added: “We’re looking forward to the Shield semi-final at Cliftonville on Tuesday night – reaching the final would be a lovely reward for our fans.”
Crusaders stunned new boys Limavady United 4-1 at the Showgrounds, Elliott Dunlop scoring a brace.
On Friday night, Duncan Ferguson’s first match as Glentoran boss ended in a 1-1 draw at Coleraine, while Larne beat Portadown 1-0 at Inver Park
RESULTS
Linfield 1 Dungannon 1; Cliftonville 7 Carrick 1; Ballymena 0 Bangor 1; Limavady 1 Crusaders 4; Coleraine 1 Glentoran 1; Larne 1 Portadown 0
FIXTURES
Friday November 6
Cliftonville v Larne (7.45pm)
Saturday November 7 (3pm unless stated)
Bangor v Crusaders; Carrick v Glentoran; Dungannon v Limavady; Portadown v Ballymena; Linfield v Coleraine (6pm)