Late goal leaves it level at Loughgall

Declan'O'Brien on the attack at Loughgall.

It was another good workout for the Lurgan Blues who had a couple of trialists on view.

Kevin Braniff was unlucky not open the scoring on five minutes after his snapshot from the edge off the box came back of the base of the post.

A few minutes later the ball broke to Braniff again who lashed a half volley over the bar.

This effort from Kevin Braniff hit the Loughgall crossbar.

Manager Gary Hamilton was playing in unfamiliar role at centre half and he along with the rest of the back four were kept on their toes by a lively Loughgall who played at a decent tempo.

On 30 minutes a corner from Kyle Neill caused problems in the box and the woodwork was rattled for a second time and again it was Braniff who was out of luck.

Braniff then turned provider in the next attack of note with a square pass across the box and Loughgall keeper Gareth Buchanan did well to direct a shot from Declan O’Brien round the post.

Loughgall’s best chance came from a Wesley Boyle corner with Ricky Copeland rising unchallenged to header over from six yards out.

Glenavon took the lead ten minutes after the restart with Andy McGrory breaking down the far side and getting in a decent low cross and Josh Lynch was quick to sweep the ball home.

Loughgall had a great chance to level five minutes later but Johnny Tuffy was equal to a shot from Matthew McMahon.

Tuffey was called upon again to keep the visitors ahead as he got down to gather a firm shot from Dillon Byrne.

Declan O’Brien then broke clear and looked certain to score but shot straight at the keeper. Minutes later he had a header shave the top of the bar and after breaking into the box his angled shot beat Buchanan and the far post.

Glenavon continued to press for a second and McGrory, Freeland and Hamilton all went close.

With a few minutes to go Tuffey was replaced by young goalkeeper Cullen and in stoppage time he was beaten as McMahon slotted home to leave it all square.

Glenavon: Tuffey, M. Lynch, Marshall, Hamilton, Neill, McGrory, J. Lynch, Kilmartin, Trialist, O’Brien, Braniff.

Subs: Eagle, Freeland, Hutchings, Drylie.