Northern Ireland round-up: Coleraine go top

Coleraine FC took advantage of some postponed games to wrest the Irish League lead from Glentoran FC.

McCoosh puts Coleraine top
With title challengers Portadown FC and Linfield FC both out of action due to bad weather in Northern Ireland, Ian McCoosh's low drive after just six minutes was enough to see off Glentoran 1-0 and put Coleraine two points clear at the top.

Fine form
Glentoran's hopes of a revival were hit when midfield player Darren Lockhart was sent off for a two-footed tackle on McCoosh. Coleraine's recent fine form, building on a 5-0 midweek home win over Ards FC, is in complete contrast to Glentoran, who have not won any of their last five league games.

Late joy for Ards
Bottom club Ards earned a creditable 1-0 away win at Glenavon FC. David Rainey secured the three points for the visitors in the final minute, finishing off a free-kick from Gary Sliney. The home side were earlier reduced to ten men when Johnny Wright was sent off for pulling back winger Peter Lowry as he ran clear on goal.

Crusaders edge past Newry
Elsewhere, Crusaders FC got the better of a seven-goal thriller as they won 4-3 against Newry Town FC, Stuart McPherson grabbing a late winning goal. Cliftonville FC's game with Portadown and Omagh Town FC's tie against Linfield were both cancelled due to waterlogged pitches.