This website uses cookies. Please click "Accept and Close" to accept the use of cookies on our website.
By continuing to browse our website you consent to the use of cookies on this website.
For more information on how we use cookies please visit our Cookie Policy
page, or visit our
Privacy notice
page for more information on how we manage and use data.
Two first half goals proved enough for Glenavon to get the better of Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.
Glenavon might have moved in front after just ten minutes but Andrew Doyle and Colin Coates saw headers cleared off the line from a Peter Campbell corner.
The visitors did seize the advantage, however, on 19 minutes after Conor McCloskey rifled a terrific effort from a tight angle into the top corner.
And it was 2-0 just four minutes later. McCloskey turned provider on this occasion, slipping the ball to Matthew Fitzpatrick to poke home from close range.
The ball was in the Swifts net for a third time moments after that but Campbell's effort was ruled out for handball while, later in the half, Sean Ward sent the ball just wide of the far post after McCloskey had knocked the ball on.
Glenavon might have extended their lead twice early in the second half with Campbell having a shot blocked by Roy Carroll while Fitzpatrick came close after Michael O'Connor had found him on the right side of the box.
However, as the game progressed, Dungannon displayed more purpose and almost pulled a goal back when Terry Devlin saw a looping effort turned away by Craig Hyland, and from the corner that followed James Convie cannoned the ball off the bar.
The Swifts did reduce the deficit with six minutes remaining when Oisin Smyth sent a well executed dipping effort beyond Hyland, who a short time earlier was forced to gather a Ben Gallagher shot at the second attempt.
Both sides suffered a sending off moments later when Caolan McAleer and James Singleton were dismissed following a disagreement.
Dungannon almost snatched a point right at the end when Gallagher delivered a free-kick into the box only for Devlin to nod narrowly wide.