An afternoon of Danske Bank Premiership action played in blustery conditions produced victories for Cliftonville, Ballymena United and Glentoran while it finished scoreless at the Loughview Leisure Arena and Shamrock Park.

Cliftonville stretched their lead at the top of the table to five points thanks to a three goal victory over Dungannon Swifts at Solitude.

The Reds moved in front through Ronan Doherty after 25 minutes with Joe Gormley adding a second around ten minutes after that. Jamie McDonagh then completed the scoring late in the game.

Indeed, it proved to be a good afternoon for Paddy McLaughlin's side as fellow title challengers Coleraine and Linfield could only manage scoreless draws away to Carrick Rangers and Portadown respectively.

Glentoran condemned Warrenpoint Town a tenth successive league defeat. The Glens raced into a strong advantage with goals from Conor McMenamin and Patrick McClean inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour on top of numerous other opportunities. Thomas Maguire pulled one back for 'Point midway through the second half but, despite having chances, Barry Gray's side couldn't fashion a late equaliser.

Ballymena United needed just one goal to get the better of Glenavon at Mourneview Park. Kenny Kane grabbed what proved to be the winner just after the half-hour mark with a turn inside the area before firing past James Taylor.

Meanwhile, on Friday night, Larne defeated Crusaders 1-0 in the live TV game at Inver Park. Lee Lynch struck on 77 minutes to secure the points which moved Tiernan Lynch's side into second spot.