Irish League Football

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Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins praised an "unbelievable" late goal line clearance from Dean Jarvis which preserved a point for his side against Cliftonville.

In a game that lacked quality at Solitude, Joe Gormley looked destined to steer home a late winner from a Jonny Addis long throw-in, but Jarvis got to the ball first to hook it off the line.

And Higgins was delighted with that contribution which saw them leave north Belfast with a draw after a decent performance.

"That would have been a real sucker punch [for Cliftonville to score], an unbelievable goal line clearance, it was experienced defending, and it would have been really harsh if we had left here with nothing and lost that game," he told BBC Sport NI.

"We had large control of the game and between both boxes, we were excellent, so, from that aspect it was really good, but our final pass and final cross wasn't on the money today.

We're happy we've taken four points from two games and dominated large spells of both games, and I know we'll get better and build a very good team."

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Irish Premiership side Linfield have announced the signing of 20-year-old winger Sam Taylor on a season-long loan from Tranmere Rovers.

Taylor, who came through the ranks at Tranmere's academy can play on either flank and is regarded as one of the most promising young attacking talents at the EFL League Two club.

He made his senior debut for Rovers in 2023 and has since gained further first-team experience in English football.

Taylor has racked up 47 appearances since signing his first professional contract in 2022, scoring five goals.

Linfield manager David Healy commented: "It's important that we continue to freshen the squad up, especially in attacking areas going forward.

"Sam is a very promising young talent who will be able to give the squad space and energy in the wide areas of the pitch.

"I look forward to working with Sam this season and seeing what he can bring to the squad."

Tranmere boss Andy Crosby explained that it was "really important that Sam goes and gets regular game time at this stage of his career".

"I couldn't promise him that, so we all thought that him going on a season-long loan was the best course of action.

"He joins a fantastic club, who are competing in both domestic and European football. We will have regular contact with the player and loan club and look forward to seeing how Sam develops."

The addition of Taylor comes just one day after the Windsor Park club announced the arrival of Ryan Yates on a one-year loan deal from Scottish League One side Stenhousemuir.

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Linfield boss David Healy said he was "disappointed" with his side's second half display in their 2-0 win against Vikingur in the Uefa Conference League third qualifying round tie second leg.

A stunning strike from Kieran Offord and an own goal from Ali Olsen in the first half had the Blues ahead 3-2 on aggregate at Windsor Park.

They managed to see out the narrow victory in a nervy second half which frustrated Healy as he thought they could have played better and extended their advantage.

"I'm disappointed a little bit with the performance in the second half, we gave the ball away so many times and put ourselves in danger so many times," he told BBC Sport NI.

"On the other side, really pleased with the manner of the way we started the game and the manner of the goals.

"It looked like second half we eased off the game. We thought we were always able to score more than one goal and we did, but second half, it was probably a bit of fatigue and tiredness."

Healy praised Offord's fine opening goal, but still believes the striker has a lot to improve on.

"We always knew the potential and capabilities he had coming in, he has scored a few individual goals like that," the Blues boss added.

"I would urge him to tidy up his play. As a young centre forward, his decision making needs to improve as does his consistency. Add that to the electricity he already brings and he can be an all round better striker."

Healy's side will now face a European rematch with Shelbourne in the play-off round of the competition.

If they win that tie, the Blues will reach the league phase of the competition for the first time.

Watch highlights as Linfield beat Vikingur 2-0 at Windsor Park to progress in the Uefa Conference League with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Kieran Offord scored a stunning goal and an own goal from Ali Olsen helped the Blues into the play-off round, where they will face Shelbourne.

Read more: Linfield to face Shelbourne again after Vikingur win

Linfield have added Scottish striker Ryan Yates to their squad on a one-year deal.

The 23-year-old, who spent time in the academies of Rangers and Hibernian, arrives from Scottish League One side Stenhousemuir.

He also previously had a spell at Stranraer and becomes Linfield's second summer signing after Sean Brown.

"Matt is a talented forward with proven experience in senior football at such a young age," Blues boss David Healy told the club's website.

"He's a natural goalscorer with the intelligence to link play and has shown the hunger to improve further. We believe he'll be a strong addition to our attacking options this season."

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Cliftonville have secured a season-long loan for Sunderland defender Tom Lavery.

The 19-year-old featured in pre-season friendlies for the Black Cats against Sporting Lisbon and Sevilla when part of the club's training camp in Portugal, while also featuring in a home game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

A product of the Sunderland academy, Lavery was a regular for the Under-21s last season, while also featuring in seven matchday squads in the English Championship.

Lavery is the sixth arrival at Solitude this summer and Sunderland Academy Robin Nicholls feels the loan move will benefit all parties.

"This loan presents a great opportunity for Tommy to continue developing in senior football," he said.

"He has spent most of this pre-season with our first team, so he has been exposed to a high level of competition and training for several weeks now.

"We are grateful that Cliftonville will present an opportunity for him to continue his learning and development."

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Cliftonville will host Crusaders in the first round of the County Antrim Shield.

Tuesday's draw pitted the north Belfast rivals together in just one of two all-Premiership ties, with Carrick Rangers drawn at home to Bangor in the other top flight clash.

Last season's winners Glentoran will begin their defence of the Shield at home to Ards with Larne, who won the previous four editions, beginning at home to Championship new boys Queen's University.

Linfield have home advantage against H&W Welders, while Ballymena United will travel to Premier Intermediate club Ballyclare Comrades.

Elsewhere, Newington host Knockbreda and Ballymacash Rangers welcome Dundela.

The fixtures are due to be played on Tuesday, 2 September.

Full draw

Larne v Queen's University

Newington v Knockbreda

Carrick Rangers v Bangor

Ballyclare Comrades v Ballymena United

Glentoran v Ards

Cliftonville v Crusaders

Ballymacash Rangers v Dundela

Linfield v H&W Welders