Three very well taken finishes at Mourneview Park by three of Declan Devine’s summer signings summer signings gave Glentoran their heaviest win of the season so far.
With James Singleton and Fuad Sule suspended Declan Devine was forced into two changes with James Douglas returning to central midfield and Aaron Wightman called up to play right back after a torrid time with injuries to make his first start since March and his first game under the management team. Fortunately, Marcus Kane had recovered to replace Paddy McClean who aggravated an injury in training.
First chance of the game fell to ex-Glens player Michael O’Connor but Daniel Gyollai saved comfortably. But on twelve minutes the tone of the game was set when Daniel Amos received the ball from David Fisher on the edge of the Glenavon box and lashed home an unstoppable left foot thunderbolt.
From that point there was action at both ends with Dan Gyollai forced into a typically great double save from O’Connor on the half hour and both Fisher and Wightman clearing dangerous Glenavon attacks. In our case we had probing crosses from Connolly, Wightman and Amos that were not met by forwards.
Half time: Glenavon 0-1 Glentoran
In contrast to a number of recent matches, the Glens got the second half off to the perfect start. A deep cross from Wightman was blocked by a defender but fell into the path of Finley Thorndike who cleanly finished for his first Glentoran goal from just inside the Glenavon box.
With the pressure reduced Glentoran assumed greater control with Jay Donnelly having a great effort parried by Deane in the Glenavon goal who also made a good save from a good run and shot from Dylan Connolly.
It was Connolly who finished the game off on 71 minutes with his own first goal for the club. The winger intercepted a loose back pass, confidently beat the onrushing keeper and slotted home.
Declan Devine used the last fifteen minutes to give game time to Jordan Jekins, Wassim, Charlie Lindsay and Kodi Lyons-Foster but there were no further goals at either end.
So, an ultimately comfortable win that brings us five places up to third in the craziest league seen for a long time. Next up is the Toal’s’ County Antrim Shield semi final against Ballymena United on Tuesday night at 7.45, then back into league action next Saturday against Portadown. Both games will be at the Bet McLean Oval.
Full time: Glenavon 0-3 Glentoran
Glentoran: Gyollai, Wightman (Lyons-Foster 86) , Amos, Hvid, Kane (c), Douglas, Palmer, Thorndike (Jenkins 74), Connolly, Fisher (Wassim 83) and Donnelly (Lindsay 86)
Subs (Not used): Mills, Murphy, Parfitt
Photography by PACEMAKER