It was a good night for Glentoran, Glenavon and Carrick Rangers as they picked up what could prove to be an important three points each from Tuesday’s re-arranged games.

Glentoran limbered up for Sunday’s impending BetMcLean Cup final – and moved five points clear of the pack in second place – with a one-goal defeat of Ballymena United at the BetMcLean Oval.

What proved to be the winner came ten minutes into the second half when Nathaniel Ferris bagged his first goal for the club with a strong strike past keeper Sean O’Neill after connecting with Danny Amos’ low delivery into the area.

Glenavon returned to winning ways – and leapfrogged Ballymena into ninth spot – with a 2-0 win over bottom of the table Loughgall at Lakeview Park.

Both goals came in the first half with Christopher Atherton breaking the deadlock on 18 minutes when he raced through the static home defence to finish low past Nathan Gartside.

Then, just after the half-hour mark, Jack Malone doubled up with a header from Peter Campbell’s left-sided cross.

And in the East Antrim derby at Taylors Avenue Carrick Rangers snatched a stoppage time winner to get the better of Larne.

In what turned out to be the goal of the evening, Joe Crowe struck in the 93rd minute with a back heel past Rohan Ferguson after Kyle Cherry had sent in a low free-kick.