Roy Coyle's side lead the league table by seven points

Glentoran 0-0 Linfield

League leaders Glentoran couldn't break down Linfield in a disappointing encounter at the Oval.

With Portadown beating Glenavon, Glentoran's advantage at the top of the table has been cut to seven points although the East Belfast outfit have a game in hand on their nearest rivals.

Glentoran had the better of the chances but a draw was probably a fair result.

Roy Coyle's side ended the game with 10 players because of the dismissal of former Northern Ireland winger Michael O'Neill.

The first half was largely uneventful with Darren Armour seeing a chance well-saved by Linfield goalkeeper Alan Mannus.

Gault denied

The pace picked up early in the second period when Mark Glendinning headed a glorious chance against the Linfield crossbar.

Armour had another opportunity for the Glens in the 65th minute but he pulled his effort wide.

O'Neill was red-carded eight minutes from time after he had disputed an initial yellow card from referee Alan Snoddy following a tackle on Russell Kelly.

Linfield sensing a chance to take the three points pressed in the closing stages and Elliott Morris made a smart move to deny Michael Gault in injury-time.