Glentoran got back to winning ways in the Sports Direct Premiership on Saturday thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Glenavon.

Declan Devine’s side were keen to respond after Wednesday night’s defeat to Larne, and while the opening stages were closely contested with few clear-cut chances, the Glens edged in front 10 minutes before the interval thanks to a slice of fortune.

Cammeron Palmer delivered a dangerous ball into the box and Glenavon defender Niall Quinn could only divert it into his own net.

Glenavon came out with intent after the break and Quinn almost made amends early on when he teed up Conor Falls, but the effort was deflected behind for a corner.

At the other end, Liam Burt fired over after good work from Jordan Stewart.
The Glens doubled their advantage on the hour mark with a superb counter-attack. Joe Thomson sparked the move before Palmer surged forward and drilled a composed finish beyond Jacob Carney.

The hosts pulled themselves back into contention on 71 minutes when Paul McGovern headed home from Peter Campbell’s cross, setting up a tense finish.

Glentoran had a chance to put the game to bed in the closing stages when Jordan Jenkins was played through by Thomson, but Carney gathered his effort.

Glenavon pushed late on, but the Glens stood firm to secure another valuable three points on the road, though captain Marcus Kane was forced off with an injury in the closing minutes.

Full-Time: Glenavon 1 2 Glentoran

Starting XI: Mills, Larmour, Kamson-Kamara, Kane (C), Singleton, Palmer, Thomson, Burt, Gallagher, Hoban, Jenkins

Subs: Crellin, Connolly, Douglas, McEleney, Weatherup, Amos, Stewart