The first midweek set of match nights are upon us in the NIFL.  After two games so far, only Coleraine have maximum points, with champions Larne in second place. At the bottom, Glenavon, Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United will aim to get their first league points on the board. All games kick off at 7:45pm. 

Tuesday, 15th August 2023

Carrick Rangers v Coleraine

They travel to the Loughview Leisure Arena after successive 2-1 victories over Ballymena United and Loughgall.  Both were achieved despite trailing early on, Conor McKendry and Andrew Mitchell strikes wresting the match their way last time out.

Tonight, they face a Carrick Rangers side who began with a 0-2 defeat to Newry City at the weekend, a result they will want to remedy with a trip to Cliftonville awaiting them on Saturday.

Crusaders v Dungannon Swifts

Dungannon Swifts have been the entertainers over the past fortnight, an improbable thriller with champions Larne ending 4-4 and Linfield relieved to escape with a 3-2 victory at Stangmore Park.

Ben Gallagher has two goals in two games but Swifts’, for all their brilliant scoring ability, will want to convert this into points and move up the table from their precarious ninth placed perch.

The defence will have to sharpen up against a Crusaders outfit who began their league campaign by beating Ballymena, Adam Lecky and co may well be looking forward to facing a Swifts’ backline which has already conceded seven goals.

This could be another high-scoring, suspenseful matchup.

Larne v Ballymena United

The Invermen will be keen on earning a first home victory after they blew a 4-1 lead the last time they played at Inver Park.

Their response, however, showed their steel as Glentoran were defeated, Michael Glynn and Andy Ryan, the latter enjoying himself so far with back-to-back goals.

In their way are a Ballymena United team who will be reeling to be pointless having led both Coleraine and Crusaders only to come out the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline.

Fine margins need to swing their way and with Linfield waiting in the wings on Friday night, Ballymena’s performance may be a barometer of if Inver Park will be as strong a fortress to Larne this year as it was in last year’s triumphant, title-winning season.

Linfield v Glenavon

A meeting of fifth, with a game in hand and basement sides is the fixture at Windsor Park this evening as Linfield host Glenavon.

Looking to go two wins from two, Linfield will be without Daniel Finlayson, the defender suspended after Saturday’s late dismissal. 

Keeping Dungannon Swifts, just about, at bay ensured a victorious start and scorers, Chris McKee, Joel Cooper, and Kirk Millar will be eyeing a wounded Glenavon side with relish.

Jay Donnelly’ ninety-ninth winner against Glens on the opening day had salt rubbed in its wound on Saturday as Cliftonville eased past them, 3-0.

Theirs is a squad low on morale and in need of a performance, Linfield though will look to capitalise on any low confidence.

Loughgall v Glentoran

Glentoran have the chance to leapfrog Loughgall in the table when they meet at Lakeview Park.

Both teams began with an opening win before suffering narrow defeats to Coleraine and Larne, respectively.

Courtesy of a superior goal difference promoted Loughgall sit above their visitors and Caolan Loughran will hope to get back to scoring ways tonight.

Glentoran may have only scored twice so far but they have also only conceded twice too and in Bobby Burns always possess a potential matchwinner.

This one should be tight-fought and perhaps indicative of which way the teams will be looking, up or down, come the final whistle.

Newry City vs Cliftonville

Fresh from a perfect beginning to manager Jim Magilton’s reign, Cliftonville will aim to maintain the momentum with a win at the Showgrounds tonight.

Solitude witnessed a stunning first half of football against Glenavon as Joe Gormley’s brace, sandwiched by a Sean Stewart tap in, got the Reds’ up and running with a bang.

Hosts Newry also enjoyed a fine result last time, impressively responding from the 3-0 dressing-down dished out by Loughgall by beating Carrick Rangers.

Fine goals from Lorcan Forde and Daragh Owens mark them out as ones to watch here whilst the hosts will be without Adam Carroll after he was given his marching orders for two yellow card offences.

Cliftonville shall aspire to commence Magilton’s away record with another three points.