It was a significant afternoon in the lower half of the Danske Bank Premiership as both Glenavon and Carrick Rangers picked up important victories on the road.

The battle for seventh spot and a place in the end of season European play-offs remains very much up for grabs, and Glenavon didn’t do their chances any harm with a one-goal defeat of Newry City at The Showgrounds.

Gary Hamilton’s side had been enduring a torrid run of form that had produced three draws and six defeats from their previous nine league outings but they put that behind them thanks to Jamie Doran’s 39th minute effort that squirmed through the hands of keeper Niall Brady and over the line.

That win moves the Lurgan Blues into eighth place, ahead of Ballymena United on goal difference but two points adrift of Carrick Rangers who also have a game in hand.

Stuart King’s charges recorded an impressive 3-1 victory over a resurgent Portadown at Shamrock Park.

Although bottom of the table, the Ports had picked up a couple of wins in recent weeks and might have hoped that momentum could help them to another positive result.

Rangers moved in front on 13 minutes through Emmett McGuckin’s close range header from Nedas Maciulaitis’ cross, but Mark Russell levelled for the Ports midway through the first half at the back post.

However, a Maciulaitis second half double guided the visitors to the points. He restored Carrick’s advantage on 54 minutes with a half volley in off an upright before adding a third later in the game with a composed finish.