It has been a European campaign to forget for Irish Premiership teams this season.

After Linfield and Glentoran's first-round exits and Coleraine's hammering in the second round, Larne's European adventure ended in dramatic fashion.

The Inver Reds had a two-goal advantage following the first leg of their Uefa Conference League play-off, but a disastrous final 10 minutes at Inver Park saw Lincoln Red Imps score twice and Larne reduced to 10 men before the away side netted the winner in the final minute of extra time.

For Gary Haveron's side, the immediate consequences are obvious but, for the Irish League, the repercussions could be felt for years.

BBC Sport NI takes a look at some of the key questions and possible setbacks following Larne's exit.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Today's match between Ballymena United and Larne was postponed due to the Inver Reds European play-off against Lincoln Red Imps.

Gary Haveron's side held a 2-0 advantage going into the second leg and appeared to be comfortably progressing, but Kike Gomez's shot gave the visitors the lead on the night in the 82nd minute with a fine strike.

Three minutes later, Manu Toledano's header brought the Red Imps level on aggregate before Montel Gibson was sent off for Larne after a second bookable defence.

In extra time, Toledano's late penalty after a foul by Chris Gallagher completed the comeback for the Gibraltarian side and left Larne shellshocked.

Read the report from the match here.

Niall Currie
Former Portadown manager on BBC Radio Ulster

I look at the squad Rodney McAree has now, this is the strongest Dungannon squad there has been.

He has gone out and got strength and depth. They are very strong.

Newly promoted Limavady United welcome the Irish League's most successful club to the Showgrounds for a first league meeting between the two clubs in 18 years.

The hosts, yet to pick up a point from their opening two games, show five changes from the team which lost narrowly here to Carrick Rangers a week ago.

Rodney Brown, Sean Carlin and Leon Boyd all drop to the bench while there is no place in the squad for Kieran Farren or forward John Butcher.

Visitors Linfield make two changes to the side which defeated Cliftonville last time out as Kirk Millar and Kieran Offord miss out, their places taken by Dylan Wells and Kobei Moore.

On loan Preston North End attacking midfielder Kitt Nelson, signed during the week, is named among the replacements by Blues' boss David Healy.

Limavady United: Gallagher, T. Boorman, Jarvis, P. Lowry, S. Lowry (c), Duffy, O'Donnell, Lafferty, Gaston, Wilson, Mullan.

Subs: Doherty, Walker, Tosh, R. Boorman, Brown, Carlin, Boyd.

Linfield: Johns, Shields (c), McClean, Frizzell, Hall, Wells, McGee, Fitzpatrick, Moore, Leahy, McCullough.

Subs: Glavin, Nelson, Brown, Baird, Annett, Chapman, Allen.

Referee: Mark Dillon.

Image source, BBC Sport

Dean Shiels
Former Coleraine and Dungannon Swifts boss on BBC Sportsound

I think Coleraine are by far the favourites to win the title.

When you put Matthew Shevlin, Conor McMenamin and Joel Cooper in the same team in the Irish League, you have to be favourites.

A win for either of these two sides today could see them climb as high as second in the table after both have enjoyed promising starts to the campaign.

Glentoran manager Declan Devine makes three changes to the side that defeated Ballymena United 2-0 last time out.

In comes new boy Ethan Brown, who joined the club this week on loan from Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock. The 21-year-old defender made 18 Scottish Premiership appearances for the Rugby Park club last season and was named Kilmarnock's Young Player of the Year for 2025-26.

James Douglas and Ben Gallagher also return to the starting XI. Forward Jordan Jenkins drops to the bench.

Crusaders are chasing a third win in-a-row as the toils of last season seem a distant memory. It is no surprise therefore that manager Declan Caddell has opted for the same XI that defeated Portadown 3-2 last weekend.

Caddell will be hoping for a better result for the visitors, having lost their last game against the Glens at the Oval 5-1 back in February.

Glentoran: Crellin, Cooney, Brown, Kane (c), Singleton, Kelly, McEneff, Douglas, Clarke, Daniels, Gallagher.

Subs: Mills, Sule, Thomson, Larmour, Weatherup, Faloona, Jenkins.

Crusaders: Callister, Forsythe, Kelly, Blaney, Weir (c), Jewitt-White, Brooks, Dunlop, Doherty, Wardell, McKay.

Subs: Brown, Rough, McKechnie, Rocks, Reid, Anderson, Maguire.

Image source, BBC Sport

Looking back at his 20-year career in the Irish League, Aaron Hogg remembers the first time he went to the bookies with his team-mates.

A teenager at the time, he did not know the journey it would set him upon. It was a road of debt, broken relationships and severe depression.

The goalkeeper was not the first Irish League player to have a gambling addiction, and he will not be the last.

But now, eight years since he last placed a bet, he is at the heart of an initiative to try and help those who need it through the new player-led Gambling Support Group (GSG).

Its introduction coincides with increased sponsorship of the men's and women's Irish Premiership from betting companies from this season, while the two League Cups and a regional tournament are also sponsored by bookmakers.

From culture to investment and criticism, BBC Sport NI examines the Irish League's relationship with gambling.

Image source, Getty Images / Press Eye

Linfield chairman Roy McGivern said that manager David Healy was "absolutely right" to call out the "personal" and "vile" abuse directed towards him in recent weeks.

Healy told the Belfast Telegraph, , externalthat the abuse he, his players and staff received from Blues supporters in Windsor Park and online in the aftermath of their 3-0 defeat by Ballymena United on the opening day of the Irish Premiership season was "nothing short of disgraceful".

McGivern stressed that while Blues supporters had the right to air their frustrations with performances on the pitch, they should not cross the line when it comes to abusing the manager and players.

"I've met with David this week and had a good chat with him. There are certainly no issues between David and the board. We totally understand fans get frustrated, I've been a fan of this club for well over 50 years and fans who pay their money for the games and season tickets and members tickets, they're entitled to give their opinions and be frustrated," McGivern said.

"That's part and parcel of football, we totally get that and no one is saying that's not acceptable.

"What we are saying is, there is a line to be drawn and some of the personal, vile abuse that we've seen both online and in the stands at Windsor Park has just not been acceptable.

"I think David was absolutely right to call that out. I get where fans are coming from but please just show a bit of respect to the players, to the staff, to the directors and other supporters in the stadium."

Image source, Inpho

It was always going to be difficult for Crusaders to find a replacement for the prolific Fraser Bryden, who left the club after one season to join League Two side Chesterfield earlier this summer.

Bryden had come in to take over as the Crues' main goal threat from fellow Scot Kieran Offord, who is now at Linfield after a dazzling half-season on loan at Seaview.

The 22-year-old hit the ground running, with 23 goals in his one and only season in north Belfast helping them to maintain their place in the top flight.

That inevitable led to interest from across the water and Bryden duly left for England, with many wondering how Declan Caddell could replace him.

The answer has come from within and in the form of yet another Scotsman.

Step forward Adam Brooks, whose hat-trick helped Crusaders to beat 10-man Portadown 3-2 in an entertaining game at Seaview on Saturday.

"It was nice to get a hat-trick today, but to be fair I could have had five so there's always room for improvement," Brooks told BBC Sport NI.

"I'm still learning and this is such a competitive league as Portadown showed today even when they went down to 10 men.

"It's been a good start to the season I've got to just keep working hard and stay grounded."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Dungannon Swifts boss Rodney McAree gives his view on clubs in the Irish Premiership receiving outside investment.

The Swifts finished sixth last season and have won two of their opening three games this campaign.

Dungannon Swifts eased to back-to-back league wins after Sean McAllister's first-half strike and a late Andy Mitchell penalty condemned Bangor to a 2-0 defeat at Stangmore Park.

McAllister rifled home an unstoppable effort into the top corner to put the home side in the lead after just 11 minutes.

Substitute Mitchell settled the points from 12 yards in the second half, sending Gareth Deane the wrong way after Harry Lynch had brought down Paul Doyle inside the area.

The result sees Rodney McAree's side climb into the top six, while the Seasiders will be hoping to open their account for the season when they host Carrick Rangers at Clandeboye Park.

Read the full report from last weekend here.

Carrick Rangers are looking to bounce back today against Bangor after a 2-0 defeat against Coleraine last weekend.

"There was nothing between the two teams and we were probably unlucky not to be 1-0 up at the break, their keeper makes a worldie of a save from Billy Joe Burns," manager Stephen Baxter told BBC Sport NI after the result.

"The game was ebbing and flowing but there wasn't really many big chances in the game. I thought both teams cancelled themselves out in the first half and we were disappointed the way we conceded the first goal.

"We were coming at them hard in the final 15 minutes and they caught us with a breakaway goal which takes the game away from you.

"But there wasn't a lot in the game which is pleasing for me."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Linfield inflicted a first defeat of the season on Cliftonville in a closely fought affair at Windsor Park.

Ethan McGee's header 10 minutes after the restart was enough to secure back-to-back wins for David Healy's side in south Belfast.

Joe Gormley came closest to levelling for the visitors late in the second half, who couldn't find a way past the resolute Linfield defence.

The Blues travel to Limavady next weekend with the Reds facing Dungannon Swifts at Solitude.

Read the full report here.

Limavady United midfielder Philip Lowry says the "buzz at the club is fantastic" as the Irish Premiership new boys continue to adjust to life in the top flight and prepare to welcome Linfield to their Showgrounds home on Saturday.

The 37-year-old helped the Roesiders win promotion as Championship winners last term, thereby bridging an 18-year gap since they were last part of the top division.

Paul Owens' side beat Linfield in the Irish Cup last season but the former Blues and Crusaders midfielder Lowry knows they face a big challenge against David Healy's side.

Limavady are still looking for their first points since their long-awaited return to the top division after losing away to Glentoran in their first fixture of the campaign and then suffering a further loss at home to Carrick Rangers.

Linfield bounced back from their opening day defeat by Ballymena United with wins over Glentoran and Cliftonville at Windsor Park.

"It's always a big day when you play against Linfield and obviously our first year back in the Premiership. It's probably one of the first fixtures you look out for, and to have it so early in the season, we're really looking forward to it," Lowry told BBC Sport NI's Odhran Crumley.

"The first two games have probably been a real learning curve for us.

"In terms of performance they have been OK. We've probably just been punished for a couple of sloppy mistakes here and there and we maybe haven't been as clinical at the top end of the pitch.

"Hopefully we can turn the decent performances into points. We know it will be extremely difficult on Saturday but if we can get one point or three on the board that would be great for us."

Read the full report here.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Glentoran scored twice in the last 10 minutes to record a 2-0 Irish Premiership victory over Ballymena United at the Showgrounds.

Aaron McEneff's Panenka-style penalty with nine minutes left broke the deadlock in a game which looked to be heading towards a scoreless stalemate.

Skipper Marcus Kane, who was making his 500th Irish League appearance, wrapped up the points for the Glens in stoppage time with a powerful near-post finish.

It was the perfect response for Glentoran to their defeat by rivals Linfield last weekend but it's now back-to-back defeats for Ballymena since their impressive opening day win at Windsor Park.

Linfield leapfrogged Glentoran into second place in the Women's Premiership thanks to a comprehensive 7-1 win over Crusaders Strikers at Midgley Park on Friday night.

The hosts led 5-0 at the interval and extended their advantage in the second half to draw level on points with the Glens, but with a better goal difference.

Glentoran have the opportunity to reclaim second spot when they host Cliftonville in a key encounter at the Blanchflower Stadium on Sunday (16:00 BST).

Cora Chambers grabbed a hat-trick for Linfield, with Sophie McKnight on target twice and Grace McKimm and Eve Reilly scoring a goal apiece.

Emilee Leacock found the net for Crusaders.

Lisburn Rangers beat Larne 5-1 in the evening's other match at Crewe Park to secure their seventh league win of the season from 13 outings and consolidate their fourth place in the table.

All the goals came in the first half through Tierna Bell (2), Anastasija Stanyte, Molly Loughran and Abbie Smyth for Rangers and Hollie Johnston netting a consolation for the visitors.

Larne had Leontia McVarnock sent off for a second yellow card offence at the end of the opening period.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Coleraine head coach Ruaidhri Higgins: "I'm really pleased for the players. I thought from minute one they showed a real appetite and hunger for the three points.

"I thought we started the game exceptionally well and we could have been more in front at half-time.

"It was a really good performance so early in the season and away from home and I thought there were some exceptional individual performances as well: Will Patching put on a masterclass I thought, he was the best player on the pitch.

"We didn't give up any chances at all in the game and our lads dealt with everything. I'm really proud of the players and it was a good night for us.

"It's nice when you win on a Friday night - you can enjoy your weekend!"

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Portadown head coach David Jeffrey: "Obviously we're disappointed with the result. There's no denying Coleraine are an extremely talented team and have a first-class squad.

"I can't fault the effort and the work rate of the players or their commitment, but the frustrating thing from our point of view is that the goals were preventable. They're being punished for elementary mistakes.

"But it's not doom and gloom. This is a new group of players that has been brought together.

"Of course we would have liked to have got something from the games thus far but not a chance in the world that heads are down."

Watch highlights from Coleraine's 3-0 win over Portadown on Friday night.

Last night, Coleraine registered a 3-0 win at Shamrock Park over Portadown, whose wait for their first points of the season continue.

First half goals from Matthew Shevlin and Senan Devine had the visitors comfortably in front at half-time before Will Patching extended their lead in the second half.

The victory sees the Bannsiders open up a four-point gap on the chasing pack and are now 11 league games unbeaten.

As for the Ports, the result is their fourth defeat in succession and leaves new manager David Jeffrey with plenty to ponder.

Read the report from the match here.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Hello and welcome to today's live text commentary for today's four Irish Premiership games.

Newly promoted Limavady United are still searching for their first points of the season as they welcome Linfield, who they knocked out of the Irish Cup last campaign.

At the Oval, Glentoran will hope to build on their 2-0 win over Ballymena United last weekend when they host a Crusaders side who have won their past two games.

Cliftonville face Dungannon Swifts with both sides having similar fortunes this season, registering two wins and a defeat each.

In the final game, Bangor host Carrick Rangers as the Seasiders look to end their winless start to the season.

As ever, we will have live text commentary as well as in-play clips with reports, highlights and reaction to follow to keep you up to date with all the action.

You can also listen to Sportsound on BBC Radio Ulster or by clicking the 'listen live' icon at the top of the page.

Thanks for joining us. Enjoy!