Irish Premiership: Who will come out on top in a thrilling Irish League title race?

One indication of the close nature of this title race is that Cliftonville found themselves in fifth place on Saturday evening, having been top of the table at the start of play just seven days earlier. Consecutive defeats to Linfield and Cliftonville have done little to boost confidence they can stay the course.

True to form, prolific striker Joe Gormley has played a pivotal part in the Reds’ title bid, banging in 16 goals, but perhaps surprisingly Paddy McLaughlin’s side have scored the least goals of any of the five title contenders.

On the plus side, manager Paddy McLaughlin has stemmed the flow of goals at the back which plagued his predecessor Barry Gray, his team having conceded a mere 18 goals in 25 games, just one more than Linfield.

Ex-Derry City player Conor McDermott and attacker Conor McMenamin have also played starring roles for the Solitude side as they put together their tilt at the title.

The arrival of former Institute and Derry forward Michael McCrudden has further bolstered McLaughlin’s attacking options, along with retaining the services of Ruaidhri Donnelly, who was linked with a move to Larne.

As with the Glens and Coleraine, Cliftonville’s title pedigree in terms of their ability to go the distance will be tested over the closing weeks of the campaign as they target a first championship success since 2014.