Irish Premier League

21st August

  Glentoran 1 Glenavon 2

Lurgan Men Spring to a Major Surprise on Glens at the Oval

The last time Glentoran played a league game at the Oval they lifted the title amid incredible scenes. But today it was Glenavon's turn to celebrate as they gained a tremendous victory over the champions. Donal O'Brien a former Glens player recently signed from Finn Harps, and Striker Tony Grant were the goal scorers for the visitors who on this showing are worthy championship contenders.  They were strong and resilient under late pressure and were also good enough to take advantage of some slack defending from the East Belfast outfit.

Last Week the Glens fans tormented former skipper John Devine at Coleraine. Most of them must have been wishing he was still in their ranks this afternoon such was the lack of cohesion at the back.

The first half was an unqualified success for the Mourneview men. Despite a few scares at the back they kept the Glentoran attack relatively quiet, and at the other end they caused the champions constant problems particularly from set pieces. Indeed it was from two corners which the home defence failed to deal with which led to the visitors goals in the opening period. Firstly on 29 minutes new signing O'Brien connected with Gavin Arthurs deep cross to head powerfully into the roof of the net_his first goal for the club and Glenavon's first this season. This was followed on 44 minutes when another Arthur cross was met by impressive Gary Smyth and his knockdown was turned in by Grant from close range. Glentoran hit the post when it was scoreless through Stuart Elliott and visitors goalkeeper Matthews made a fine double save from Colin Nixon and Scott Young on the verge of half time but otherwise the Lurgan men looked comfortable.

Having lost all four league meetings last season, this was a 45 minutes to remember for Roy Walker's side. As you would expect Chris Walker replaced Livingstone at the break, came out all guns blazing early in the second half. Matthews produced two terrific saves to deny Alistair McCombe and Darren Finlay and in between Mark Glendinning headed off the line from Young's chip. But still no goal for Roy Coyle's men. In an attempt to change that McCann was brought on for Leeman on 65 minutes to patrol the right flank. It was from the other side however most of the danger was coming and Darren Finlay can consider himself very unlucky after curling a beauty against the post with 19 minutes left.

On 81 minutes McCann supplied a dangerous cross for Elliott to head goalwards but again Matthews having a splendid match was there to save the day again. In injury time though the new goalkeeper blotted his copybook by dropping a corner which Elliott poked home from close range.  It was nothing more than consolation however as Glenavon secured their first win of the season

Teams

Referee Mr Herbie Barr