Curtis Allen was the matchwinner once again as Coleraine displaced Larne as Linfield's nearest challengers with a 2-1 win over Warrenpoint Town.
Going in the wrong direction, however, are Crusaders, who conceded a late goal in a 1-0 home defeat by Glenavon.
Replacing the Crues in fourth are Cliftonville, who beat Carrick Rangers 1-0 at Taylors Avenue thanks to Ryan Curran's ninth league goal of the season.
Elsewhere, Ballymena United ended their five-game losing streak thanks to a late strike from in-form full-back Ross Redman, his first league goal in over two years.
And we're not done yet! Head over here to watch our live-streamed game as Dungannon Swifts host Glentoran at Stangmore Park.
What a save!
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
It's often said that goals win games, but how about this for a match-winning piece of goalkeeping from Coleraine's Gareth Deane?
Warrenpoint striker Brandon Doyle will have nightmares about how he didn't put this one away, though.
Video content
Video caption: Gareth Deane pulls off a double save to keep the Bannsiders in the leadGareth Deane pulls off a double save to keep the Bannsiders in the lead
McCloskey strikes late for Glenavon
Crusaders 0-1 Glenavon
Video content
Video caption: Conor McCloskey's solo effort gives Glenavon the lead at SeaviewConor McCloskey's solo effort gives Glenavon the lead at Seaview
Redman is 'The Man' for Ballymena
Portadown 1-2 Ballymena Utd
It may not have been the prettiest of goals but it proved enough to secure a precious three points for Ballymena. Ross Redman slots home the loose ball against his former club to seal victory.
Video content
Video caption: Ross Redman puts the Sky Blues in frontRoss Redman puts the Sky Blues in front
FULL-TIME
Portadown 1-2 Ballymena Utd
Ballymena end their sequence of five defeats on the spin with a 2-1 comeback victory over struggling Portadown at Shamrock Park.
Ross Redman's late goal proved the difference between the sides but on the balance of play it was a win that his side deserved.
Portadown are without a win in 10 league outings - four draws and six defeats for Matthew Tipton's men.
FULL-TIME
Carrick Rangers 0-1 Cliftonville
It's all over! Ryan Curran's first-half strike is enough to lift Cliftonville into fourth place following a hard-fought 1-0 win over 10-man Carrick Rangers.
Carrick missed a series of presentable first-half chances before Curran popped up with the winner in the 32nd-minute.
Carrick's hopes of a comeback were dented when full-back Kurtis Forsythe was shown a straight red card for his foul on Paul O'Neill just after the hour-mark.
That's three wins on the bounce for Cliftonville.
FULL-TIME
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
Coleraine move into second spot in the Premiership table with a hard-fought win.
Curtis Allen's early double strike put the Bannsiders in charge before Fra McCaffrey hauled Warrenpoint back into it.
Coleraine were thankful to keeper Gareth Deane for a remarkable double save in the latter stages which earned them three points.
FULL-TIME
Crusaders 0-1 Glenavon
It's a last-gasp win for Glenavon at Seaview over 10-man Crusaders.
A superb Conor McCloskey strike won what had been a dull match on the Shore Road.
Aidan Wilson was sent off for the Crues at the start of the second half and the Lurgan Blues eventually made their extra man advantage pay.
GOAL
Crusaders 0-1 Glenavon
Conor McCloskey with a late, late goal for Glenavon.
He stepped in off the wing and hit a superb shot that flew past Jonny Tuffey and inside the post.
The visitors look to have stolen it in the 90th minute.
GOAL
Portadown 1-2 Ballymena Utd
Ballymena have their noses in front with eight minutes remaining and the goalscorer is former Ports defender Ross Redman.
The ball is played into the area and a goalmouth scramble ensues but when the loose ball falls to Redman he fires in to put the Sky Blues ahead.
A first league goal for Redman since September 2018. Could it be the one that ends Ballymena's recent disappointing run of five defeats?
HITS THE WOODWORK
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
A Coleraine attack sees left-back Josh Carson on the overlap and his cross comes back off the face of the crossbar with no takers.
Warrenpoint also go close soon afterwards when sub Adam Evans' dangerous dipping cross-shot is clawed out by Gareth Deane.
The Bannsiders have also welcomed back leading scorer Ben Doherty who is on as a substitute following an operation on a shoulder injury.
McCartan on target
Portadown 1-1 Ballymena Utd
Watch Shay McCartan draw Ballymena level in the first half with a fine individual effort.
Video content
Video caption: Shay McCartan levels the score for the BraidmenShay McCartan levels the score for the Braidmen
GREAT SAVE!
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
How on earth are Warrenpoint not level at Ballycastle Road?
Coleraine keeper Gareth Deane makes a superb save from a snap-shot from substitute Adam Carroll.
The rebound drops to Brandon Doyle who looks odds-on to score but the ball gets tangled among his feet, allowing a combination of Deane and the base of the post to thwart what looked a certain goal.
A warning shot to Coleraine that this game isn't over yet.
Crues down to 10 men
Crusaders 0-0 Glenavon
When you've already had a booking, this sort of challenge is going to be a risk.
Crusaders defender Aidan Wilson sees red for a foul on Daniel Purkis.
Video content
Video caption: Aidan Wilson picks up his second booking of the gameAidan Wilson picks up his second booking of the game
RED CARD
Carrick Rangers 0-1 Cliftonville
Carrick full-back Kurtis Forsythe has been shown a straight red card for a late lunge on Paul O'Neill as the Cliftonville man attempted to streak clear on the counter-attack.
Referee Evan Boyce has also sent off a member of each team's backroom team - Carrick's Andy Hunter and Cliftonville's Brian Donaghey - after an argument erupted on the touchline in the aftermath of Forsythe's challenge on O'Neill.
HITS THE WOODWORK
Carrick Rangers 0-1 Cliftonville
Reece Glendinning's sweetly-struck effort from 25 yards crashes off the Cliftonville crossbar.
That would have been a definite goal of the season contender.
That's twice Carrick have rattled Aaron McCarey's woodwork this afternoon.
RED CARD
Crusaders 0-0 Glenavon
Crusaders defender Aidan Wilson is sent off.
It was a second yellow card for Wilson and it was given for a rash challenge on Glenavon striker Daniel Purkis.
Uphill task for the Crues now, who will surely feel that a win is vital to their title hopes.
HALF-TIME
Portadown 1-1 Ballymena Utd
It's honours even at the interval at Shamrock Park thanks to Ben Warde's opener for the hosts and Shay McCartan's equaliser.
Two quality strikes in an entertaining first half, which Ballymena shaded.
Portadown remain in the hunt for a first home win of the season while Ballymena are on track to end their run of five consecutive defeats.
Game on!
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
Warrenpoint Town are back in the game at Coleraine thanks to skipper Fra McCaffrey.
Video content
Video caption: Francis McCaffrey reduces the deficit at the ShowgroundsFrancis McCaffrey reduces the deficit at the Showgrounds
HALF-TIME
Carrick Rangers 0-1 Cliftonville
It's been far from comfortable, but Cliftonville have their noses in front at the break at Taylors Avenue.
Ryan Curran's strike separates the sides, but Carrick have undoubtedly created the better chances, notably through Jordan Jenkins, who has missed two presentable opportunities.
Carrick also felt they should have had a penalty, but if they continue to play in a similar manner, they will be confident of getting at least a point from this game.
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Video caption: Gareth Deane pulls off a double save to keep the Bannsiders in the leadGareth Deane pulls off a double save to keep the Bannsiders in the lead Video caption: Conor McCloskey's solo effort gives Glenavon the lead at SeaviewConor McCloskey's solo effort gives Glenavon the lead at Seaview Video caption: Ross Redman puts the Sky Blues in frontRoss Redman puts the Sky Blues in front Video caption: Shay McCartan levels the score for the BraidmenShay McCartan levels the score for the Braidmen Video caption: Aidan Wilson picks up his second booking of the gameAidan Wilson picks up his second booking of the game Video caption: Francis McCaffrey reduces the deficit at the ShowgroundsFrancis McCaffrey reduces the deficit at the Showgrounds
Latest PostMixed fortunes for the chasing pack
Attention turns to Stangmore Park
A day of high drama in the Irish Premiership!
Curtis Allen was the matchwinner once again as Coleraine displaced Larne as Linfield's nearest challengers with a 2-1 win over Warrenpoint Town.
Going in the wrong direction, however, are Crusaders, who conceded a late goal in a 1-0 home defeat by Glenavon.
Replacing the Crues in fourth are Cliftonville, who beat Carrick Rangers 1-0 at Taylors Avenue thanks to Ryan Curran's ninth league goal of the season.
Elsewhere, Ballymena United ended their five-game losing streak thanks to a late strike from in-form full-back Ross Redman, his first league goal in over two years.
And we're not done yet! Head over here to watch our live-streamed game as Dungannon Swifts host Glentoran at Stangmore Park.
What a save!
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
It's often said that goals win games, but how about this for a match-winning piece of goalkeeping from Coleraine's Gareth Deane?
Warrenpoint striker Brandon Doyle will have nightmares about how he didn't put this one away, though.
Video content
McCloskey strikes late for Glenavon
Crusaders 0-1 Glenavon
Video content
Redman is 'The Man' for Ballymena
Portadown 1-2 Ballymena Utd
It may not have been the prettiest of goals but it proved enough to secure a precious three points for Ballymena. Ross Redman slots home the loose ball against his former club to seal victory.
Video content
FULL-TIME
Portadown 1-2 Ballymena Utd
Ballymena end their sequence of five defeats on the spin with a 2-1 comeback victory over struggling Portadown at Shamrock Park.
Ross Redman's late goal proved the difference between the sides but on the balance of play it was a win that his side deserved.
Portadown are without a win in 10 league outings - four draws and six defeats for Matthew Tipton's men.
FULL-TIME
Carrick Rangers 0-1 Cliftonville
It's all over! Ryan Curran's first-half strike is enough to lift Cliftonville into fourth place following a hard-fought 1-0 win over 10-man Carrick Rangers.
Carrick missed a series of presentable first-half chances before Curran popped up with the winner in the 32nd-minute.
Carrick's hopes of a comeback were dented when full-back Kurtis Forsythe was shown a straight red card for his foul on Paul O'Neill just after the hour-mark.
That's three wins on the bounce for Cliftonville.
FULL-TIME
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
Coleraine move into second spot in the Premiership table with a hard-fought win.
Curtis Allen's early double strike put the Bannsiders in charge before Fra McCaffrey hauled Warrenpoint back into it.
Coleraine were thankful to keeper Gareth Deane for a remarkable double save in the latter stages which earned them three points.
FULL-TIME
Crusaders 0-1 Glenavon
It's a last-gasp win for Glenavon at Seaview over 10-man Crusaders.
A superb Conor McCloskey strike won what had been a dull match on the Shore Road.
Aidan Wilson was sent off for the Crues at the start of the second half and the Lurgan Blues eventually made their extra man advantage pay.
GOAL
Crusaders 0-1 Glenavon
Conor McCloskey with a late, late goal for Glenavon.
He stepped in off the wing and hit a superb shot that flew past Jonny Tuffey and inside the post.
The visitors look to have stolen it in the 90th minute.
GOAL
Portadown 1-2 Ballymena Utd
Ballymena have their noses in front with eight minutes remaining and the goalscorer is former Ports defender Ross Redman.
The ball is played into the area and a goalmouth scramble ensues but when the loose ball falls to Redman he fires in to put the Sky Blues ahead.
A first league goal for Redman since September 2018. Could it be the one that ends Ballymena's recent disappointing run of five defeats?
HITS THE WOODWORK
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
A Coleraine attack sees left-back Josh Carson on the overlap and his cross comes back off the face of the crossbar with no takers.
Warrenpoint also go close soon afterwards when sub Adam Evans' dangerous dipping cross-shot is clawed out by Gareth Deane.
The Bannsiders have also welcomed back leading scorer Ben Doherty who is on as a substitute following an operation on a shoulder injury.
McCartan on target
Portadown 1-1 Ballymena Utd
Watch Shay McCartan draw Ballymena level in the first half with a fine individual effort.
Video content
GREAT SAVE!
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
How on earth are Warrenpoint not level at Ballycastle Road?
Coleraine keeper Gareth Deane makes a superb save from a snap-shot from substitute Adam Carroll.
The rebound drops to Brandon Doyle who looks odds-on to score but the ball gets tangled among his feet, allowing a combination of Deane and the base of the post to thwart what looked a certain goal.
A warning shot to Coleraine that this game isn't over yet.
Crues down to 10 men
Crusaders 0-0 Glenavon
When you've already had a booking, this sort of challenge is going to be a risk.
Crusaders defender Aidan Wilson sees red for a foul on Daniel Purkis.
Video content
RED CARD
Carrick Rangers 0-1 Cliftonville
Carrick full-back Kurtis Forsythe has been shown a straight red card for a late lunge on Paul O'Neill as the Cliftonville man attempted to streak clear on the counter-attack.
Referee Evan Boyce has also sent off a member of each team's backroom team - Carrick's Andy Hunter and Cliftonville's Brian Donaghey - after an argument erupted on the touchline in the aftermath of Forsythe's challenge on O'Neill.
HITS THE WOODWORK
Carrick Rangers 0-1 Cliftonville
Reece Glendinning's sweetly-struck effort from 25 yards crashes off the Cliftonville crossbar.
That would have been a definite goal of the season contender.
That's twice Carrick have rattled Aaron McCarey's woodwork this afternoon.
RED CARD
Crusaders 0-0 Glenavon
Crusaders defender Aidan Wilson is sent off.
It was a second yellow card for Wilson and it was given for a rash challenge on Glenavon striker Daniel Purkis.
Uphill task for the Crues now, who will surely feel that a win is vital to their title hopes.
HALF-TIME
Portadown 1-1 Ballymena Utd
It's honours even at the interval at Shamrock Park thanks to Ben Warde's opener for the hosts and Shay McCartan's equaliser.
Two quality strikes in an entertaining first half, which Ballymena shaded.
Portadown remain in the hunt for a first home win of the season while Ballymena are on track to end their run of five consecutive defeats.
Game on!
Coleraine 2-1 Warrenpoint Town
Warrenpoint Town are back in the game at Coleraine thanks to skipper Fra McCaffrey.
Video content
HALF-TIME
Carrick Rangers 0-1 Cliftonville
It's been far from comfortable, but Cliftonville have their noses in front at the break at Taylors Avenue.
Ryan Curran's strike separates the sides, but Carrick have undoubtedly created the better chances, notably through Jordan Jenkins, who has missed two presentable opportunities.
Carrick also felt they should have had a penalty, but if they continue to play in a similar manner, they will be confident of getting at least a point from this game.