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Steven Crawford

Linfield back to winning ways with much-needed victory at Newry

Linfield picked up a much-needed three points thanks to a 2-0 victory over Newry City.

Goals in either half from Robbie McDaid and Joel Cooper secured the win for David Healy's men at The Showgrounds.

Cliftonville, Crusaders and Coleraine all picked up wins over Carrcik Rangers, Dungannon Swifts and Portadown respectively.

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The Blues made a bright start with Robbie McDaid teeing up Joel Cooper for an early shot, which Steven Maguire saved.

The visitors broke the deadlock with 14 minutes gone as that man McDaid raced clear before slotting past Maguire.

To their credit Newry stepped things up and should have drawn themselves level when Donal Rocks set James Teelan free, but he shot straight at Chris Johns.

Daniel Hughes then chose to shoot rather than play in Lorcan Forde as the home side threatened again.

The hosts went close again ten seconds into the second half as Rocks' shot from distance flew inches over the bar.

It was the Blues who grabbed the goal though as Cooper fired home seconds after hitting the bar with a header.

Things got worse for Newry as Ciaran O'Connor was dismissed following a tackle on Cooper.

It was a subdued opening 45 minutes at Solitude as both sides failed to create many clear cut chances.

Rory Hale's long range effort before the break was the first time either keeper was called into action, and Ross Glendinning easily dealt with the shot.

Ronan Hale tried his luck three minutes into the second half but again Glendinning saved.

The Reds were posing more of a threat now with Ronan Doherty next to test the keeper.

Luke Turner and Ronan Hale went close with headers before Ryan Curran gave Cliftonville the lead from the penalty spot after Steven Gordon had brought down Chris Curran.

Crusaders got off to the perfect start at Dungannon as Philip Lowry bagged himself another goal heading home McCauley Snelgrove's cross on 20 seconds.

The Swifts were then reduced to ten men as Gary Breen saw red after bringing down Adam Lecky in the box after Dwayne Nelson had lost possession.

The keeper made amends though and kept the hosts in the game saving the striker's spot kick.

The Crues did double their lead before the hour mark as Cahal McGinty diverted Jarlath O'Rourke's cross into his own net.

Crusaders were awarded another penalty on 65 minutes but unbelievably Nelson saved again, this time denying O'Rourke.

Niall Currie's second spell in charge of Portadown got off to the worst possible start as Paddy McNally headed into his own goal with only four minutes gone to give Coleraine an early lead.

Lee Lynch doubled the lead on 10 minutes as he raced to to a terrific through ball from Conor McDermott before lifting the ball over Jethran Barr.

Lynch was causing a lot of problems for the visitors and he went close to a second on 24 minutes but his curling effort crashed off the bar.

The Bannsiders stretched their lead on 50 minutes after more good work from McDermott, who teed up Matthew Shevlin for his 11th of the season.

The fourth arrived on 54 minutes as Glackin surged forward before releasing Lynch into the box, and his cutback was slammed home by McLaughlin.

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