STORM Boelo put paid to the Duncan Ferguson’s scheduled bow as Glentoran manager following the Everton legend’s whirlwind arrival in the Irish League this week.
The Glens’ BOYLE Sports Premiership clash against Ballymena United at the Oval was called off so the big Scot’s first match will be the mouth-watering showdown at leaders Coleraine on Friday night.
Ferguson instead took the chance to run the rule over the Bannsiders during their visit to Seaview and must have watched with a mixture of admiration and dread as Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side returned to the top of the table – two points head of Linfield – by hammering Crusaders 5-0.
The Crues were rocked by the sending off of Scot Rough after just 10 minutes for a challenge on Ben Wylie.
Wylie then opened the scoring on 19 minutes, Senan Devine added a second and Joel Cooper made it 3-0 just before the break. A Jacob Blaney own goal extended the advantage after half-time and Adam Brooks scored against his former club in the 86th minute to make it 5-0.
A Brian Healy brace helped Cliftonville to a 3-1 win over Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park. Healy opened the scoring and Rory Hale added a second before Sean McAllister pulled a goal back. But a late Healy effort secured the three points and ended a six league game losing streak.
A first-half goal by 39-year-old Paul Heatley put Carrick Rangers ahead against Limavady United at Taylor’s Avenue but the Roesiders levelled late on through a joe Crowe own goal.
Linfield had hit the top on Friday night with a 2-1 win over Portadown at Shamrock Park.
RESULTS
Carrick 1 Limavady 1; Crusaders 0 Coleraine 5; Dungannon 1 Cliftonville 3; Glentoran P Ballymena P
FIXTURES
Tuesday October 27
Larne v Limavady (7.45pm)
Friday October 30
Coleraine v Glentoran; Larne v Portadown
Saturday October 31 (3pm)
Ballymena v Bangor; Cliftonville v Carrick; Limavady v Crusaders; Linfield v Dungannon