GLENAVON EASES TO COMFORTABLE WIN 2u3w6v

On Tuesday 23rd July 2024 Glenavon defeated Dollingstown 5-1 at Planter’s Park. 5h4j6r

Although the home side battled gamely for the first 45 minutes, it eventually ran out of legs.

Michael O’Connor (4 mins), David McDaid (53, 62 mins), Jack Malone (58 mins) and Aaron Prendergast (81 mins) were the men on target for the Lurgan Blues. Henry Cromack (74 mins) replied for the Dolly Birds.

New Glenavon recruit Rhys Marshall, playing in midfield, dictated the tempo until he was withdrawn. Jamie Doran, who came on at half-time and also played in the centre, was almost as effective. Both players look likely to feature prominently during the new campaign.

The visitors took an early lead. Matthew Snoddy, playing as a right wing-back, crossed from the right. Michael O’Connor beat Craig Robinson with a fine header.

David McDaid failed to find the net when the Dollingstown goalkeeper palmed Niall Quinn’s cross into his path. His weak shot trickled wide.

James Doona’s well hit right foot effort was saved by Robinson following good work by McDaid.

The highlight of the first half was a masterly defensive tackle by Len O’Sullivan. When the young defender inadvertently headed the ball against Cromack’s back, the Canadian striker broke clear, but delayed his shot allowing O’Sullivan to regain possession.

Glenavon consolidated its early lead with three goals in the first seventeen minutes of the second half.

David McDaid scored his first from close-range after Jamie Doran’s shot had been blocked.

Jack Malone netted the third from the penalty spot following a foul on Peter Campbell by Nathan McConnell.

McDaid scored again when another effort by Doran struck a defender and deflected into his path.

Cromack pulled a goal back when Quinn lost possession and Joe Williamson left him with a shot, from distance, into an empty net

Aaron Prendergast grabbed Glenavon’s fifth after Norton and Doran combined well on the right. The Belfast man had only to tap-in from a yard out.

In addition to the four second half goals, the visitors went close with notable efforts by O’Connor twice and Malone.

Indeed, Michael O’Connor might have had four goals. In the 72^nd minute he shot wide when it seemed easier to score.

GLENAVON: Deane, Snoddy, Haughey, McKeown, Quinn, O’Sullivan, Marshall, Campbell, Doona, McDaid, O’Connor, SUBS: Malone for Snoddy (half-time), Prendergast for O’Connor (half-time), Norton for Quinn (half-time), Doran for Doona (half-time), Toure for McKeown (half-time), Snoddy for Haughey (60 mins), McKeown for Marshall (60 mins), O’Connor for Campbell (70 mins), Doona for McDaid (70 mins), Quinn for O’Sullivan (70 mins).