Braniff magic gives Linfield the blues

Kevin Braniff’s sublime goal earned Glenavon a famous win at Linield.
Glenavon's Andy McGrory on the attack.Glenavon's Andy McGrory on the attack.
Glenavon's Andy McGrory on the attack.

The striker curling a brilliant shot into the top corner four minutes before the break to give his side a deserved lead at the break.

Glenavon had to survive the last 20 minutes with ten men after Kris Lindsay was sent off.

The Lurgan Blues made a bright start taking the game to Linfield with Braniff creating a few chances as Andy McGrory blasted a shot over the bar and soon after he connected with a volley that flew wide.

Glenavon's Andy McGrory on the attack.Glenavon's Andy McGrory on the attack.
Glenavon's Andy McGrory on the attack.

Linfield rarely threatened but midway through the half Michael Carvill got clear of the back line to delivery some excellent crosses but Alan Blayney gathered them with ease.

Ciaran Caldwell and Braniff linked up to set up another shooting chance for McGory and his goalbound effort hit the hand of Jamie Callacher.

The free kick gave Glenavon a chance to go for goal and Braniff made the most of the chance with a brilliant effort that flew past Tuffey into the top corner on 41 minutes.

Four minutes into the second half and Glenavon sould have increased their lead. Braniff did well to cut the ball back for Forsyth, he ran into the box and rather than go for goal himself he rolled the ball to Andy McGrory but he drilled his first time shot inches wide of the post. That was a real let-off for the home side.

Braniff had another sight of goal on 60 minutes but Tuffey did well to gather the ball at the second attempt.

Linfield had a big shout for a penalty when Peter Thompson went down in the box after a challenge by Blayney but referee Arnold Hunter awarded a corner.

With 20 minutes to go Glenavon were reduced to ten men after Kris Lindsay sent Sproule crashing to the ground and a second yellow saw him take an early bath.

Linfield thought they had levelled on 75 minutes when Lowry fired towards goal but Conor Dillon cleared his effort off the line.

With ten minutes left Blayney made a brilliant save to push away a shot from Waterworth.

Linfield finally ran out of ideas and Glenavon went home with a superb three point.

Full report and rection in this week’s Lurgan Mail.

Glenavon: Blayney, McKeown, Kilmartin, Lindsay, Dillon, Caldwell, McGrory, Forsyth, Braniff, McCabe, Singleton.

Subs: McCallion, Hamilton, McNally, Hoey, McNamee.

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