BOYLE SPORTS PREMIERSHIP ROUND UP 08/08/26

Goals, Red Cards and Derby Drama as the BOYLE Sports NIFL Premiership Kicks Off in Style

The new Premiership season exploded into life this weekend with goals, shocks and a fiery Belfast derby setting the tone for a thrilling opening weekend.

At Taylors Avenue, Carrick Rangers edged Portadown 1–0, with Paul Heatley proving the difference. After Portadown were reduced to ten men following Liam Jessop’s dismissal, Carrick piled on the pressure—and Heatley delivered, smashing home in the 62nd minute to seal the points.

There was no such shortage of goals at Stangmore Park, where Coleraine ran out 3–1 winners over Dungannon Swifts. Jay Henderson struck just before the break to give the Bannsiders the lead, before Ben Doherty’s stunning long-range effort doubled the advantage. Sean McAllister pulled one back for the Swifts, but Coleraine’s clinical edge and a third goal from Matty Shevlin ensured a winning start.

Glentoran made their intentions clear with a controlled 2–0 victory over Limavady United at the Oval. After dominating early on, the breakthrough finally arrived when Jordan Stewart nodded home on 61 minutes, and just moments later Pat Hoban added a second to wrap up a professional opening-day performance.

The biggest shock of the weekend came at Windsor Park, where Ballymena United stunned Linfield 3–0. Chris McKee haunted his former club with a superb double—first reacting quickest to open the scoring, then unleashing a thunderbolt from distance—before Success Edogun capped a ruthless display with a third.

And in North Belfast on Friday night, the opening game of the new season delivered drama in abundance as Cliftonville defeated Crusaders 2–1 in a gripping derby. Ben Quinn fired the Reds ahead early on, and Dean McMaster’s brilliant free-kick made it two. Elliot Dunlop pulled one back late on, but Cliftonville held firm to claim derby bragging rights.

Five games, plenty of talking points, and a clear message—the Premiership is back, and it means business.