Irish League Football

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Coleraine have signed Crusaders striker Adam Brooks on a long-term deal for what is believed to be a six-figure sum plus add-ons.

Brooks came through Celtic's academy and played for Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Queen of the South before making the move to Crusaders in 2025.

He played a key role in the Crues securing their Premiership status when they won their promotion/relegation play-off against Annagh United and scored seven goals last campaign.

The 22-year-old - who has been capped for Scotland at under-19 level - has made a strong start to the Irish Premiership season, scoring a hat-trick in the 3-2 win over Portadown.

"Adam is a natural centre-forward and he's a different player to Matthew (Shevlin)," said Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins.

"When you look at our squad, Matthew was probably our only option as a natural number nine. We felt that we needed to add to that department and thankfully we've got a really good one in Adam.

"We've invested in this signing but we feel it is a worthy investment because he's only 22-years-old, he's signing a long-term contract and I think he can go to another level.

"We would like to think we can make this his home now."

Brooks is Coleraine's second deadline day signing after Joe Thomson's move from Glentoran, a deal which saw Conor McMenamin make the switch to the Oval just two months after signing for the Bannsiders.

Coleraine top the Irish Premiership table with three wins and a draw from four matches and face Crusaders on Saturday in their next Premiership fixture.

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Linfield leapfrogged Glentoran into second place in the Women's Premiership thanks to a comprehensive 7-1 win over Crusaders Strikers at Midgley Park on Friday night.

The hosts led 5-0 at the interval and extended their advantage in the second half to draw level on points with the Glens, but with a better goal difference.

Glentoran have the opportunity to reclaim second spot when they host Cliftonville in a key encounter at the Blanchflower Stadium on Sunday (16:00 BST).

Cora Chambers grabbed a hat-trick for Linfield, with Sophie McKnight on target twice and Grace McKimm and Eve Reilly scoring a goal apiece.

Emilee Leacock found the net for Crusaders.

Lisburn Rangers beat Larne 5-1 in the evening's other match at Crewe Park to secure their seventh league win of the season from 13 outings and consolidate their fourth place in the table.

All the goals came in the first half through Tierna Bell (2), Anastasija Stanyte, Molly Loughran and Abbie Smyth for Rangers and Hollie Johnston netting a consolation for the visitors.

Larne had Leontia McVarnock sent off for a second yellow card offence at the end of the opening period.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Linfield have signed attacking midfielder Kitt Nelson on a season-long loan from Preston North End.

The 21-year-old arrives at Windsor Park after scoring five goals in 33 games on loan at Cork City during the 2025 League of Ireland season.

Nelson came through the Preston academy but is yet to make his senior debut for the Lilywhites.

"I'm really happy to be here," Nelson told Linfield TV.

"I heard about the interest a few weeks ago and I was keen as soon as I heard about it.

"Once the ball got rolling it got done really quickly and I'm happy to be here now."

Nelson is Linfield's fifth summer signing after Ryan Nolan, Kobei Moore, Dylan Wells and Aidan Glavin.

Linfield started the Irish Premiership season with a shock 3-0 home loss to Ballymena United but bounced back with victories over Glentoran and Cliftonville.

David Healy's side travel to Limavady United on Saturday (15:00 BST).