Northern Ireland round-up: Distillery claim only goal

There was just one goal in the Irish League Premier Division this weekend, as last season's first division champions Lisburn Distillery FC moved into the top five with a 1-0 victory against Ards FC.

Prenter gets the goal
That goal came just two minutes into the game, Paul Prenter cutting in from the right in the second minute before sending a left-foot shot inside the far post. And although Distillery centre-half Philip Major was sent off for a second bookable offence just before the break, Ards missed the resulant penalty and were unable to equalise.

Champions go top
Both of the other Saturday matches finished scoreless, as Portadown FC and Coleraine FC claimed the top two places. Champions Portadown were the first team not to beat Newry Town FC so far this campaign, while Coleraine moved into second spot above Glentoran FC by virtue of their own scoreless draw away from home, against Crusaders FC.

Derry return
On Friday night, Irish League Premier Division football returned to Derry city for the first time in 31 years, as newly promoted Institute FC hosted Omagh Town FC. However, although the home team dominated, they also had to settle for a no-score draw, their first point of the season.

UEFA Cup ties
Neither of the Belfast 'Big Two' were in action due to their midweek involvement in the UEFA Cup, Glentoran missing out on a trip to take on Glenavon FC and Linfield FC postponing the visit of Cliftonville FC.