David Jeffrey all smiles as his team beat Poradown 1-0

CLIFTONVILLE stretched their lead to the top of the Danske Bank Irish Premier League last night as their nearest rivals all lost ground.

Two goals in the first half from Dolan on 15 mins and 35 mins away to Glenavon at Mourneview Park secured the points for the Solitude team who top the table on 29 points.

Ballinamallard were 1-0 up after 12 mins to a Feeney goal away to Ballymena as they tried to stay in contention with Cliftonville.

But Teggart equalised for the Ballymena men with a penalty on 40 minutes which leaves Mallard four points behind Cliftonville.

The Ballymena match was overshadowed at half time when a mass brawl broke out after a Johnny Taylor tackle on the touchline. Players, management got involved in what can only described as disgraceful scenes.

At Winsdor Park, David Jeffrey heaved a huge sigh of relief after his team beat Portadown by a single goal to nil.

But the match was marred in the first half when Portadown’s Chris Ramsey was sent off on 39 mins after a clash with McAllister who was left floored on the ground.

And when McAllister got to his feet he was bizarrely shown the red card, much to the annoyance of manager Jeffrey and the Linfield fans.

The teams went in at half time 0-0 and both managers will be looking to change things and grab the spoils.

But just after half time sub Philip Lowry scored with his first touch to help give ‘Big Davey’ a very happy 50th birthday present – three points!

And Michael Carville could have put another candle on ‘Big Davey’s’ cake but unfortunately missed a penaly on 81 mins.

But the shock of the day is that Donegal Celtic, who haven’t won a match all season and before today were rooted to the bottom on just four points, are amazingly beat Glentoran 2-1.

It was a welcome return to DC for Pat McAllister who is back in the dugout and he was delighted to see to get his first win under his belt so quickly.

However, thoughts of getting his team off the bottom of the table where almost dashed when Lisburn Distillery drew 1-1 away to Dungannon Swifts.