In videos: IFA Premiership highlights

It is the third consecutive defeat for David Jeffrey's men in the league against their bitter rivals this season.

Darren Boyce headed in Stephen Carson's precision cross on 81 minutes to send the home support into raptures.

In pictures: IFA Carling Premiership action

The Blues dominated most of the play and, wind assisted in the first half, should have taken the lead through Robert Garrett's right footed effort only to see Elliot Morris in fine form in Glentoran's goal.

Peter Thompson returned to Linfield's starting 11, but, despite looking sharp, he failed to find the net.

The visitors rallied in the second half and Garrett's late effort from range found the gloves of Morris once again as Glentoran secured all three points.

After the match, Glens' boss Scott Young confirmed the signings of Derry City defender Stewart Greacen and Eamonn Murray from Ballymena United.

Portadown reduced the gap to two points with their mid-Ulster derby win over Glenavon.

Kevin Braniff made the most from a wayward cross to expertly volley home and Neil McCafferty slotted a penalty kick in a 2-0 win.

Ports striker Matthew Tipton was replaced in the first half with a rib injury and the final whistle saw missiles thrown and trouble between the two sets of fans.

Cliftonville suffered another set-back in the title race as Tommy Breslin's side went down 3-2 to Crusaders at Seaview.

Ciaran Caldwell's and Chris Scannell's goals for the visitors were both cancelled out by Jordan Owens.

Crusaders captain Colin Coates tapped in on 55 minutes grab the win for Stephen Baxter's side.

Coleraine won their derby encounter against Ballymena United by two goals to nil thanks to strikes from Stephen Lowry and Curtis Allen.

Mark Surgenor made matters more comfortable for the home side after he saw red in the first half.

Lisburn Distillery are the Carling Irish Premiership's bottom side as they lost 2-1 to Donegal Celtic.

David Cushley looked to have secured a point for John Cunningham's visiting side after he equalised Paul McVeigh's opener.

Nine minutes before time, Ryan Henderson headed in Liam Bradley's free-kick to earn the victory for DC.

IFA Premiership Boxing Day Results:

Glentoran 1 - 0 Linfield
Glentoran: Boyce 81

Crusaders 3 - 2 Cliftonville
Crusaders: Owens 34, 45+1, Coates 55.
Cliftonville: Caldwell 5 (penalty), C Scannell 45.

Coleraine 2 - 0 Ballymena Utd
Coleraine: Lowry 55, Allen 74.
Ballymena Utd: Surgenor sent off 35.

Donegal Celtic 2 - 1 Lisburn Distillery
Donegal Celtic: P McVeigh 30, Henderson 81.
Lisburn Distillery: Cushley 41.

Glenavon 0 - 2 Portadown
Portadown: Braniff 72, McCafferty 82 (penalty).