Glens go nine clear

Lisburn Distillery 1-3 Glentoran

Two second half goals from striker Andy Smith secured the win which took Glentoran nine points clear at the top of the Irish League Premier Division.

The league pacesetters had trailed to a 17th minute diving header from Distillery's Chris Coffey.

But former Northern Ireland midfielder Michael O'Neill equalised a minute later with a volley from the edge of the penalty area.

Darren Lockhart hit the bar for the Glens in the 36th minute.

But there was better luck for Roy Coyle's men in the second period as they clinched their vital victory.

Pushed out

Smith got his first from the penalty spot after referee Frankie Hiles spotted a holding offence.

Distillery protests brought bookings for Chris Deegan and Coffey.

Then in the 67th minute Smith shot in from 10 yards after Phil Matthews had pushed out Colin Nixon's initial effort.

Glentoran are at home to Portadown this Saturday and victory would give them a 12-point cushion at the top of the Premier League.