IRISH LEAGUE: Glenavon too strong for Dungannon Swifts to seal top-six league spot

The Irish Cup holders returned to league commitments at Mourneview Park and enjoyed a well-earned 2-0 triumph thanks to first-half goals from David Elebert and James Gray.

Elebert broke the deadlock with a close-range header after Joel Cooper’s corner-kick was headed against the crossbar by James Singleton.

Gray wrapped up a slick first-half performance by Glenavon with number two on 29 minutes by firing home inside the area after Guy Bates’ excellent work ended with a cross met by Mark Sykes then a Cooper volley before the reaction finish.

Glenavon dominated overall and the Swifts’ sole threat arrived from efforts in each half by Andrew Mitchell.

Mitchell was unable to add to his superb tally of goals against the club he has confirmed an agreement to join this summer - with the first header, off Peter McMahon’s cross, clearing the crossbar before the second, thanks to Thomas Lockhart’s good work, was gathered by Jonny Tuffey.

GLENAVON: Jonny Tuffey, Aaron Canning, Andy Kilmartin, Rhys Marshall, Joel Cooper, Caolan Marron, Mark Sykes, James Singleton, Guy Bates, James Gray, David Elebert. Subs: Gary Hamilton (Bates, 75), Kyle Neill (Neill, 86), Andy McGrory (Kilmartin, 84), Ciaran Martyn, Renato De Vecchi.

DUNGANNON SWIFTS: Andrew Coleman, David Armstrong, Chris Hegarty, Jamie Glackin, Andrew Mitchell, Ryan Harper, Jarlath O’Rourke, Kris Lowe, Cormac Burke, Paul McElroy, Peter McMahon. Subs: Terry Fitzpatrick (McMahon, 68), Ally Teggart, Seanan Clucas, Stefan Lavery (Glackin, 57), Tommy Lockhart (McElroy, 51).

Referee: Stephen Taylor.