Holders reeling as Glenavon reach semis

Trailing to a Jay Magee penalty the Lurgan Blues hauled themselves off the floor with Kris Lindsay nodded home on 88 minutes and there was still time for Guy Bates to blast home the winner on 90 minutes.

Jim O’Hanlon found some space on the edge of the box but his weak shot failed to trouble James McGrath.

Glentoran looked the more settled and they created another chance when David Scullion burst from midfield and ran on to fire a shot over the bar on ten minutes.

Andy McGrory almost headed the Lurgan Blues ahead on 18 minutes, Mulvenna with a teasing cross but Morris making two attempts finally denied the winger.

A few minutes later a firm drive from Mulvenna was blocked by Jay Magee.

The action dried up until three minutes before the break. A free kick some 28 yards out gave Gareth McKeown the chance to go for goal. His shot struck McCabe but fell nicely for Mulvenna who got his shot in but Morris had advanced to make a brave save.

With the game heading for a scoreless first half Glentoran edged ahead from the penalty spot. A slip by Marshall as he tried to control the ball allowed Scullion to play in Stewart who was brought down by McGrath. Ref Crangle produced a yellow as the home fans roared for red. Jay Magee drilled home the spot kick to give the home side a fortunate break at a crucial time.

The Glens had a chance to double their lead on 50 minutes when O’Hanlon got on the end of Bradley’s cross but the ball bounced wide of goal.

Glenavon brought on Hamilton and Patton for Mulvenna and Neill and a period of pressure saw them create a couple of chances but nothing to trouble Morris.

With 15 minutes to go Glenavon were out of luck when a long throw from McKeown eventually fell for Hamilton but his volley hit Morris on the chest before McGrory saw his effort pushed around the post.

Then came the late drama and it was no more than the Lurgan Blues deserved.

Full report and pictures in this week’s Mail.