 Tommy McCallion and skipper Paul Leeman celebrate at Seaview |
Glentoran clinched the Irish Premier League title for the second time in three seasons by beating Crusaders 2-0 at Seaview. A 11th-minute shot by Darren Lockhart, and a Tommy McCallion effort early in the second sent the title to the Oval.
The victory meant Glentoran won the Gibson Cup by two points from rivals Linfield who beat Cliftonville 3-1.
Crusaders finished one-from-bottom and their Premier survival now depends on a two-leg play-off with Glenavon.
Lisburn Distillery clinched the Inter-Toto Cup place ahead of Ballymena by beating Loughgall 3-1 at New Grosvenor.
Glentoran's victory at the Oval sparked great scenes of celebration.
Lockhart's well-directed early strike settled the nerves although the Crues almost got level just before the break when Glens defender Colin Nixon was forced into a vital clearance.
McCallion fired in from close-range to make it 2-0 four minutes into the second half to make sure of Glentoran's 22nd Irish League championship triumph.
The success was Roy Coyle's 13th championship win as a manager in the Irish League and his 49th major trophy.
MMIX
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