Irish League Football

Image source, Inpho

Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins says his squad is "in a much better place now than six months ago" following another busy transfer window.

The Bannsiders have brought in further reinforcements in January after a busy summer with Mark Coyle (Shelbourne), Mark Connolly (Derry City), Ben Wylie (Portadown), Will Patching (Carlisle United) and James Akintunde (FC Haka) all arriving this month.

And Higgins believes his squad is really taking shape now as they push to get into Europe and close the gap to league leaders Larne.

"We're coming towards the end of our second transfer window. People always say after two or three windows you build your own team so we're very close to where we want it to be," said Higgins.

Higgins knows his squad depth will be tested as they play three away games in three different competitions in the next week, starting with Saturday's Irish Premiership fixture against Bangor at Clandeboye Park.

They then travel to the Oval to take on Glentoran in the rescheduled BetMcLean Cup semi-final on Tuesday before an Irish Cup sixth-round tie against Carrick Rangers on 7 February.

The former Derry City boss acknowledges the quick turnaround between games will be "a tough task" but one they must "look forward to".

"You want to be involved in as many competitions as possible. It's to be embraced and not complained about," he added.

"We have a good group, we'll be ready to go and I'm sure the squad will be utilised over the next week.

"You can't complain about it then when the schedule gets busy so we won't do that. We've a good group of players who area ready for the week ahead, starting with Bangor."

Image source, Inpho

Linfield boss David Healy said the playing surface at Windsor Park was "borderline unplayable at times" in his side's BetMcLean Cup semi-final win over Ballymena United.

Isaac Baird scored the only goal of the game in the first half to help the Blues reach the decider on Sunday, 15 March, where they will face either Glentoran or Coleraine as they look to win the competition for a record 13th time.

The game at Windsor Park was initially set to take place on Tuesday but was postponed by 24 hours due to storm Chandra and Healy was critical of the state of the pitch.

"The pitch is tough, it is borderline unplayable at times and that's no disrespect to Matt, the groundsman who has been left on his own with no afterthought given, so that's disappointing," he told BBC Sport NI.

"I'm disappointed for Matt because it's not his fault, he needs a little bit of help and my question would be if there are international games in and around this period there's no way the pitch would be the standard it is at the minute.

"Gary Haveron was heavily critical of it as was Oran [Kearney] and Lee Feeney in recent weeks and that's frustrating because everyone is talking about improving everything, the infrastructure and pitches and if we can't as the national football stadium no one else can."

Despite his frustrations with the pitch, Healy was pleased with his side's professional display as they kept a clean sheet on their way to the final.

"I thought we were deserved winners. We should have created better opportunities in the game. I thought in some moments our play was good and we linked the ball well.

"Straight away the overriding emotion is really pleased to be in a cup final and I thought the performance levels and clean sheet were good."

Image source, Inpho

The BetMcLean Cup semi-final between Glentoran and Coleraine at the Oval has been postponed due to damage and flooding caused by Storm Chandra.

The tie was set to be played in east Belfast on Wednesday but heavy rain and wind has made the pitch unplayable.

It has been rearranged for Tuesday, 3 February and if that game cannot be played, then it will be moved to the Coleraine Showgrounds on Wednesday, 4 February.

A number of games have been called off at the Oval this season, including the Irish Premiership match between Glentoran and Cliftonville on Sunday.

Declan Devine's side are away to Dungannon Swifts in the league on Saturday and, after the rescheduled semi-final, are next set to play at home again Drumaness Mills in the Irish Cup sixth round on 7 February.

The second BetMcLean Cup semi-final, between Linfield and Ballymena United at Windsor Park, was moved from Tuesday to Wednesday because of weather warnings from Storm Chadndra.

That game is scheduled to kick-off on Wednesday at 19:45 GMT.

Image source, Inpho

The Toronto Investment Group (TIG) have issued a statement saying that they have withdrawn their investment proposal to complete a takeover at Irish League club Cliftonville.

Cliftonville members had voted overwhelmingly at an extraordinary general meeting in April in favour of accepting a takeover proposal from the Canadian consortium but the move has been hit by a series of delays, with negotiations seemingly having stalled and friction arising within the north Belfast club.

It was hoped the TIG takeover could see the Irish Premiership side move to a full-time model in the future and make improvements to their Solitude ground.

The statement released by the TIG on Monday said they were withdrawing their proposal "with heavy hearts" and "with immediate effect".

"This is a very difficult decision we feel compelled to have to take directly resulting from circumstances beyond our control," the statement read.

"We would like to wish Cliftonville Football Club every success in the future. We continue to believe, that with the right approach, trust and people in place, a welcomed investment opportunity would permit limitless potential for Cliftonville over the coming years," it added.

In a statement, Cliftonville said the club's management committee became "increasingly concerned in recent months about the protracted nature of the takeover approach and the tensions that emerged as a result, both within the club and among the wider membership".

An extraordinary general meeting was adjourned earlier in January due to "frustrations" in the membership about details surrounding the takeover, and the statement added that the club's board "regrets that the process has not concluded in a more constructive manner".

"The Management Committee are delighted that our scrutiny, and that of the Member-appointed sub-committee, have brought a conclusion to this long-running affair with an outcome that protects the long-term interest of the Club," the statement read.

"The Management Committee will now take time to reflect on the position, stabalise matters, and consider next steps for the Club, including how best to pursue sustainable investment and development opportunities aligned with Cliftonville's values, heritage and long-term interests.

"Finally, we would like to thank Members for their patience, engagement and commitment to the Club during what has been a challenging and, at times, uncertain period."

Image source, Presseye

The BetMcLean Cup semi-final between Linfield and Ballymena United at Windsor Park has been rescheduled for Wednesday 28 January because of an amber weather warning for strong winds.

The last-four tie had been scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27 January, but has been put back 24 hours because of the weather alert which takes effect from 05:00 GMT until 21:00 on Tuesday.

The game will kick-off at 19:45 GMT.

A statement released by NIFL on Monday afternoon explained that the decision to switch the game to Wednesday had been made "in accordance with NIFL protocols and with the agreement of both clubs".

The other semi-final in this year's competition will also be played on Wednesday evening, as originally scheduled, with Glentoran facing Coleraine at the Oval for a place in this year's final on 22 March.

Linfield are also scheduled to host Ballymena in an Irish Premiership fixture on Saturday.

The Irish Cup fifth round tie between Loughgall and Knockbreda, which was scheduled for Tuesday, has also been impacted and will now be played on Tuesday, 3 February.

Image source, Glentoran FC

Glentoran have signed midfielder Aaron McEneff from Shamrock Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old was part of two Premier Division winning squads and enjoyed two FAI Cup triumphs during two spells at Shamrock Rovers.

McEneff also played for Derry City, scoring 25 goals in 102 appearances for the Candystripes.

The versatile midfielder's brother, Jordan, plays for Larne and has made 15 league appearances for the Irish Premiership leaders this season.

"For me, it feels like the perfect fresh start," McEneff said after the announcement.

"Once I spoke with Declan [Devine] and Paddy [McCourt] and heard about the standards they expect every day and where they believe this club is going, it was something I couldn't say no to.

"The Irish Premiership is a league that's going from strength to strength and it is one I'm really looking forward to competing in. This team has huge potential, but it only matters if you deliver. I've come here to win, nothing else. I can't wait to get in, meet everyone properly and get started."

Image source, Inpho

Glentoran's Irish Premiership game with Cliftonville which was to be played on Sunday afternoon has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

The game was set for a 14:00 GMT kick-off and was to be shown live across BBC Northern Ireland but, after heavy rain in Belfast on Saturday and Sunday morning, the surface at the Oval failed a pitch inspection at 09:00.

A Glentoran statement said: "A new date for the match will be confirmed in due course and we will communicate updated arrangements to supporters as soon as they are available."

It is the second time a fixture between the pair has fallen victim to the weather this season. In October, an Irish Premiership meeting at Solitude was postponed because of Storm Amy.

Image source, Press Eye

Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter says Adam Lecky "has brought a breath of fresh air" to his side after scoring four goals in a week.

Lecky netted a hat-trick against Dungannon Swifts to continue Carrick's impressive week after scoring the equaliser against Cliftonville in the County Antrim Shield final, which they went on to lift for the first time in 33 years.

The 5-1 victory over Dungannon means that Baxter's side move up to ninth position in the Irish Premiership and 14 points clear of bottom-of-the-table Glenavon.

"Lecky was sensational," Baxter told BBC Sport NI.

"He is a quality guy, not just a quality footballer. He has brought a breath of fresh air into the dressing room.

"He has helped Danny [Gibson] and Paul [Heatley] with the link-up play and with the quality he brings. He is someone that they can work with, link off and he brings quality to the team."

After being without a victory in nine Irish Premiership fixtures, Carrick have now scored at least four goals in their past two league matches, are unbeaten in five games and also defeated Queen's University by 5-1 in the Irish Cup fifth round.

However, despite their good run of form and their County Antrim Shield success, Baxter added he will not rest on his laurels.

"It wasn't that long ago that I was speaking after a 7-0 defeat [against Glentoran] and that was difficult for us," Baxter continued.

"There are a lot of good things going on, but you never rest on your laurels. A 7-0 defeat could be around the corner for any of us!

"We need to keep playing and getting on with it and we'll see where it takes us."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree says his side are "hurting" after their 5-1 loss against Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue.

Goals from Joe Crowe, Paul Heatley and Adam Lecky gave the home side a comfortable lead at the break.

Lecky netted again after the restart before substitute Eoghan Liggett grabbed a consolation goal for Dungannon. Striker Lecky then completed his hat-trick in the final 10 minutes of the match.

"When we started the game, we had five opportunities very early on and we didn't take any of them," McAree told BBC Sport NI

"After that it just seemed like every time the ball went into our box, we were going to concede. It is very unlike us.

"We are hurting and I am hurting. It is disappointing and we are humbled."

The result is the second match this season that Dungannon have lost by a four-goal margin after losing 4-0 at the Coleraine Showgrounds in October.

However, it is just their second defeat in their last eight league games with Rodney McAree's side now three points behind Linfield in fourth.

The result has differing implications to the league standings of the sides with Stephen Baxter's outfit moving up to ninth position from 11th.

"We don't want to dwell on it, but we have to learn from it. We have to know that it is unacceptable and we have to hurt," McAree continued.

"I hope the players, by the time they get home, are still hurting and I hope they are hurting throughout the week and hope they are looking forward to trying to make things right.

"They need to show the attitude and desire needed to try push this club forward and maintain where we are in the league."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Linfield manager David Healy says his side "were always doing enough to win" during their 1-0 victory against Crusaders at Seaview.

The Blues scored the only goal of the game after just eight minutes when Matthew Fitzpatrick fired past Musa Dibaga at the near post for his 10th league goal of the campaign.

The visitors dominated and had multiple chances to extend their lead, with their best opportunity just before half-time when Crusaders stopper Dibaga denied Alex Gorrin's penalty.

"Coming in at half-time we were disappointed to not have extended our lead," Healy told BBC Sport NI.

"There was a little bit of a frustration and an understanding that Crusaders would come out and they changed the shape a little bit.

"They were always going to have a little spell, but it wasn't much. Credit to our players today, I thought some of the play was good."

The result means the Blues move to within three points of third-placed Glentoran in the Irish Premiership standings.

It also just the third win on the road this season for David Healy's side in the league, with both other victories having come at Clandeboye Park.

"That is the only downside of today, not winning the game more decisively," Healy continued.

"I speak to Declan Caddell quite a lot and he has his own challenges with the youthful nature of the squad and some of his more experienced players not being available to him.

"Credit to Crusaders, they had a go in the second half, but I thought we were always doing enough to win the game."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Crusaders manager Declan Caddell says his side "didn't create as many opportunities as needed" during their 1-0 loss against Linfield at Seaview.

It was a poor start to the game for the Crues, who conceded in the opening 10 minutes when Matthew Fitzpatrick fired home.

Linfield then pushed for a more comfortable lead with Alex Gorrin's spot-kick denied by Musa Dibaga and Crusaders unable to find a leveller in the second half.

"I don't think we were ourselves at all today, but you can't give Linfield a foothold in the game eight minutes in," Caddell told BBC Sport NI.

"Another poor goal on our behalf and listen, the conditions were tough for both teams with a strong wind down the pitch.

"Ultimately, we didn't do enough. The quality wasn't there today. I can't fault the work rate and ethic, but we didn't look ourselves on the ball and didn't create as many opportunities as needed and as I would like."

It has been a challenging week for the north Belfast side with club captain Jarlath O'Rourke and Ross Clarke signing for Glentoran.

Results elsewhere mean that Crusaders now drop to 11th in the Irish Premiership table with Caddell adding that this season has been "a rollercoaster" so far.

"At the start of the year with the six-eight senior players that are available to you, you try to build the starting XI around that," Caddell continued.

"We have a lot of injuries and just lost two, we lack a bit of experience. However, with those [O'Rourke and Clarke] going, it gives me the ability to bring one or two in, which we need.

"We are a young side and that is probably why this season hasn't been what we expected, it has been a rollercoaster."

The Irish Premiership match between Ballymena United and Portadown has been postponed following a Saturday morning pitch inspection.

The game was called off after the playing surface at the Showgrounds was examined at 11:00 GMT.

Heavy rain over recent days made the pitch unplayable.

It is the fourth time that a scheduled match has been postponed at the Warden Street venue this month.

The league fixture against Glenavon fell victim of the weather on 3 January, plus two attempts to play an Irish Cup fifth round tie against Larne, on 10 and 20 January, also proved unsuccessful.

The cup tie has been rearranged for Tuesday 3 February and the Premiership match with the Lurgan Blues rescheduled for Tuesday 24 February.

Saturday's other two top flight games between Carrick Rangers and Dungannon Swifts at Taylors Avenue and Crusaders and Linfield at Seaview are set to go ahead as planned.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins says his side "weren't themselves" during their 2-0 victory over Glenavon at the Coleraine Showgrounds.

The home side broke the deadlock midway through the opening half through leading scorer Joel Cooper.

Glenavon started the second half the better side, but it was the Bannsiders who scored again when substitute Jamie McGonigle found the back of the net.

"We weren't ourselves if I am being honest. A lot of credit has to go to the opposition and how they were set up," Higgins told BBC Sport NI.

"Glenavon caused us problems. We didn't give up any chances as such, but we gave up territory, they had good possession and passed the ball really well. Most of our opportunities came from counter-attacks.

"I have complained before that we haven't gotten points when we haven't played well and we have gotten three points tonight when we haven't been ourselves, so we will take it and move on."

The Lurgan Blues manager Michael O'Connor also praised his side's performance but added that his team need to start scoring goals to avoid relegation.

O'Connor's outfit sit bottom of the table and are 11 points adrift of Carrick Rangers in eleventh.

"To be fair to the boys, going 1-0 down, two of three months ago they would have crumbled and went two of three down and we didn't and stayed in the game," O'Connor said.

"For 20 minutes in the second half I thought we were the better team without creating chances.

"Ruaidhri had to make some changes to accommodate us, which he doesn't do often. If you see the opposition doing that, you know the boys are doing everything and I can't ask for much more from the boys, apart from putting the ball into the back of the net."