CRUSADERS returned to the top of the table with a 2-1 victory over Portadown at Seaview despite falling behind to an early goal.
The defending champions went 1-0 down after just six minutes when defender Howard Beverland headed into his own net.
However, the former Coleraine man redeemed himself with the equaliser on 20 minutes, heading home a Whyte free-kick.
Stephen Baxter's side went 2-1 ahead eight minutes into the second half courtesy of a Colin Coates header from a Carvill corner.
Meanwhile, Dungannon Swifts maintained their recent form by claiming a point against Linfield at Windsor Park.
Mark Haughey put Linfield ahead on 38 minutes, nodding home a Josh Carson corner.
Rodney McAree's side equalised six minutes into the second half, however, when Andrew Mitchell played the ball across the box for Kris Lowe to touch home at the back post.
And Cliftonville beat Ballinamallard United 2-1 at Ferney Park.
Darren Murray gave Cliftonville the lead on 32 minutes shortly after Ballinamallard's Liam Flatley had been red-carded.
The Mallards levelled in first-half injury-time through Adam Lecky who scored from close range.
A Ryan McConnell own goal restored Cliftonville's advantage before Jason McCartney missed a 78th-minute Ballinamallard penalty.
