Summary

  • Larne 0-1 Linfield (res)

  • Glentoran 2-0 Glenavon (res)

  • Linfield go top of the table on goal difference from Glentoran

  • Cliftonville can regain top spot if they defeat Carrick Rangers on Saturday

Live Reporting

Andy Gray and Alvin McCaig

  1. The final whistle

    FT: Larne 0-1 Linfield

    Well, there we have it.

    Linfield are back to the top alongside Glentoran in the latest twist in this title battle.

    Larne are down but not out, you can't discount any of the top six in this topsy-turvy season.

    You can read the report from tonight's action here, and keep an eye out on the BBC Sport website for goals and reaction.

    That's all from us, see you tomorrow when we have four more fixtures in our festive feast of football.

    See you then!

  2. Hamilton disappointed with Lurgan Blues display

    Glentoran 2-0 Glenavon

    It was disappointing from us tonight. You have to start the game well and don't let them get on the ball and dictate things. We didn't do that tonight.

    Gary Hamilton, Glenavon manager

  3. Millar hails 'excellent' Glens

    Glentoran 2-0 Glenavon

    We were excellent - we didn't give anyway away and in the first 10-15 minutes we created five to six chances. Two goals and another clean sheet - we're happy with that.

    Paul Millar, Glentoran assistant manager

  4. FT: Larne 0-1 Linfield

    It's safe to say Tiernan Lynch isn't happy with the decision to send Kofi Balmer off in the first-half.

    I've got to be careful what I say here. I'd be better saying nothing, but I can talk about my own team who I thought were absolutely outstanding tonight to a man. The performance they put in when down to 10 men, I thought they were superb. I've just got to concentrate on the positives from our end. I can't change the decision now, I can't change the outcome now but it definitely had an effect on us. We showed great drive and hunger. I certainly wouldn't have thought we were down to 10 men with the performance.

    Tiernan Lynch, Larne manager

  5. FT: Larne 0-1 Linfield

    The stream is now over on BBC Two and iPlayer but stay with us for some reaction from both managers.

  6. 'I want to make my own history'

    FT: Larne 0-1 Linfield

    Here's what Man of the Match Christy Manzinga had to say, despite the best efforts of the Larne fans to drown him out.

    It was really hard to win here and I'm really happy because we worked hard. I am really happy for the team. It was a penalty like, I think he chopped me. The referee showed the red card which was good for us. We really are capable of everything, I think we are the best team in the league except when we make errors. Sometimes that happens. I am just trying to make my history here.

    Christy Manzinga, Linfield Man of the Match

  7. FT: Larne 0-1 Linfield

    Linfield fans are chanting "Ohhhhh Christy Manzinga" before bursting into a round of "Healy! Healy! Healy!" as the Blues manager applauds the away support.

  8. FT: Larne 0-1 Linfield

    Linfield and Glentoran are top of the league! What year is this?!

  9. FULL-TIME

    Larne 0-1 Linfield

    There goes the final whistle! David Healy gets his first win at Inver Park!

  10. CLOSE!

    Larne 0-1 Linfield

    But not for Larne!

    Andy Mitchell's free-kick is poor and into the wall. Linfield break through Manzinga and he squares the ball to Kyle McClean, but his effort is tame and Rohan Ferguson can hack it clear.

    That's bound to be it.

  11. FULL-TIME

    Glentoran 2-0 Glenavon

    A seventh league win on the trot for the Oval side and it was a comfortable three points against the toothless Lurgan Blues.

    The damage was done in the first half with strikes from Conor McMenamin and Rory Donnelly.

    The victory takes Glentoran up to second in the standings and level on points with new leaders Linfield .

  12. Larne 0-1 Linfield

    David McDaid has won a free-kick in a good position off Jimmy Callacher.

    Is this their final chance?

  13. CLOSE!

    Larne 0-1 Linfield

    Was that the chance(s)?!

    There's a mad scramble in the area as Lee Lynch and Thomas Oluwa both mishit efforts, and Andy Mitchell sends a half volley miles over the bar seconds later.

    Larne are going for it and we'll have three additional minutes!

  14. Larne 0-1 Linfield

    Thanks for tuning in! Glad you're enjoying it!

    We're *definitely* not jealous of the t-shirts and caps at this time of year!

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  15. Doyle off-target for Lurgan men

    Glentoran 2-0 Glenavon

    The visitors finally trouble the Glentoran defence in the second half with Josh Doyle heading over from eight yards.

    Into the last five minutes and it looks like the three points will be staying in east Belfast.

  16. Larne 0-1 Linfield

    Five to go.

  17. Larne 0-1 Linfield

    Larne are seeing a lot more of the ball now but are struggling to break Linfield down.

    Healy's side look comfortable but will be looking for that second goal to make sure.

    While it's only one there is still hope for the hosts...

  18. CLOSE!

    Glentoran 2-0 Glenavon

    The hosts are still the best bet for the next goal as Shay McCartan sees his dipping 25-yard free-kick pushing wide by an outstretched James Taylor.

  19. Larne 0-1 Linfield

    The corner is played towards Albert Watson but Graham Kelly gets in the way of his team-mate as he goes to head the ball. Sums up Larne's night.

    Meanwhile Marty Donnelly is on for Jordan Stewart to see this one out. 10 to go.

  20. Larne 0-1 Linfield

    Oluwa is brave to win a header and charges towards goal before winning a corner.

    That's bright stuff from the sub.