CLIFTONVILLE survived a Ballymena United comeback to move second in the Danske Bank Premiership with a 4-2 win in today's match at Solitude.
Chris Curran defied the poor conditions to lob Alan Blayney from the edge of the penalty box after five minutes, before two David McDaid penalties in quick succession gave the Reds a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Willie Faulkner pulled one back for Ballymena United after 25 minutes, arrowing a half-volley into the roof of the net from well outside the area.
Gary Thompson made it 3-2 after the break, but substitute James Knowles had the final say eight minutes from time with Cliftonville's fourth after being played in by Tomas Cosgrove.
Today's win means that Cliftonville move one point clear of third-placed Coleraine, but remain eight points adrift of reigning champions Crusaders, although Gerard Lyttle's side have a game in hand on both challengers.
Saturday, December 5 results
Ballinamallard 2 - 4 Glentoran
Cliftonville 4 - 2 Ballymena United
Dungannon Swifts 1 - 2 Crusaders
Linfield 1 - 0 Coleraine
Warrenpoint Town P - P - Portadown Postponed
