Glentoran played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Glenavon in the Sports Direct Premiership tonight at the BetMcLean Oval.
Glentoran remain second in the table after the draw, with Larne currently in third place, three points behind.
Jordan Jenkins grabbed a brace on the night, bringing his season tally to 14, while Joe Thomson also found the net. Glenavon’s goals came from Michael O’Connor, Harry Lynch and Paul McGovern.
Glentoran faced a difficult opening half against Paddy McLaughlin’s side, falling behind after just 12 minutes. Peter Campbell controlled Sean Carlin's superb cross-field pass before the former set up O’Connor, who slotted home from six yards as Glenavon took an early lead.
Just before the half-hour mark, Glenavon doubled their lead. Campbell delivered a swinging free-kick into the box and Lynch rose highest to head past Dániel Gyollai.
David Toure nearly added a third moments later, but his shot drifted just wide of the upright as Glentoran struggled to settle into the game.
The hosts’ skipper, Marcus Kane, had an injury-time header comfortably saved by goalkeeper Mark Byrne, as Glentoran struggled to create clear-cut chances in a first half dominated by the visitors.
Half-Time: Glentoran 0 – 2 Glenavon
Declan Devine’s half-time team talk had an immediate impact as the home side pulled a goal back just eight minutes into the second half. David Fisher’s header initially looked to be dealt with by Byrne, but the Glenavon keeper spilled the ball, allowing Thomson to pounce and fire in the rebound - much to the delight of a frustrated home crowd.
The goal lifted Glentoran, and their sustained pressure was rewarded with an equaliser in the 69th minute. Jenkins controlled Thomson's cross before unleashing a stunning 25-yard strike past Byrne - another effort to add to his growing collection of spectacular goals.
Barely had the Belfast fans settled back into their seats before they were on their feet once more - thanks to Jenkins once again. Thomson’s free kick was nodded against the inside of the post by Kane and Jenkins reacted quickest to slot home the rebound with a simple tap-in.
But, in a fashion typical of the night, Glenavon were back on level terms in the 75th minute. Campbell picked out O’Connor in the box, but his shot was blocked. However, substitute McGovern reacted quickly, firing an effort from the edge of the area that found the net via the left-hand post.
In additional time, both sides had chances - Glenavon’s O’Connor blazed over with only Gyollai to beat, while Glentoran’s Joe Thomson saw his strike deflected wide.
Full-Time: Glentoran 3 – 3 Glenavon
