GLENAVON IS NARROWLY BEATEN BY CRUSADERS

GLENAVON IS NARROWLY BEATEN BY CRUSADERS 3e4650

Glenavon 0 Crusaders 1 3m46c

Sports Direct Irish Premiership 452l4e

Mourneview Park, Lurgan

Saturday 22nd February 2025

Despite dominating possession for long periods, particularly in the first half, Glenavon was beaten 1-0 by Crusaders. Daniel Larmour, who started his career at Mourneview Park, scored the only goal just before half time.

Paddy McLaughlin’s side started the match positively. In the 4th minute Michael O’Connor headed Peter Campbell’s into Davy McDaid’s path and the former Coleraine striker let fly from 16 yards. Johnny Tuffey dived to his right to make a fine save.

Murphy and McDaid combined well to release Peter Campbell. When he crossed from the left there was no one there to deliver the coup de gras.

Jack Malone’s well struck shot was gathered confidently by Tuffey.

When Malone crossed from the left, Len O’Sullivan poked the ball wide at the far post.

Jarlath O’Rourke crossed from the left, Philip Lowry laid the ball off and Jordan Stewart’s shot was blocked.

In the 32nd minute Davy McDaid went down on the edge of the penalty area following a challenge by Jacob Blaney. The Glenavon players claimed that the foul had been committed inside the box, but referee Ian McNabb awarded a free kick. Niall Quinn’s well struck effort smashed against the crossbar and was cleared.

Harry Murphy headed the ball into Malone’s path, but his shot was charged down.

In the 42nd minute Robbie Weir and McDaid clashed 35 yards from goal. McNabb initially seemed to award a free kick to Glenavon. However, he changed his mind and gave the ball to Crusaders. O’Rourke crossed for Daniel Larmour, lurking at the far post, to beat Tadhg Ryan with a right foot finish.

The Crues, boosted by a lead established against the run of play, almost went 2-0 in front early in the second half. Harry Jewett-White found Jay Boyd on the penalty spot. When he laid the ball off to Jordan Stewart, Ryan dived full length to his right to save the former Linfield winger’s shot.

When Peter Campbell crossed from the left, Philip Lowry headed the ball across the face of the six-yard box and Daniel Larmour nodded it out. From the resultant corner, shots by Chris Atherton and Quinn were blocked by a wall of bodies.

Crusaders had its best spell of the game midway through the second half. O’Rourke crossed from the right and Lowry headed just over the crossbar. When Boyd pulled the ball back, Harry Franklin shot weakly into Tadhg Ryan’s hands.

Glenavon dominated the final twenty minutes.

When Atherton took possession 35 yards out, he dribbled the ball to the edge of the penalty area but, with a clear sight of goal, shot over the crossbar.

Substitute Aaron Prendergast flicked Sean Carlin’s cross well wide of the far post.

Aaron Heaney, a replacement for Atherton, fired over and Barney McKeown’s attempt was blocked.

Crusaders almost scored a second in a fast breakaway. Josh O’Connor shrugged off a challenge by Carlin, raced towards goal and attempted to round Tadhg Ryan. However, the goalkeeper kept his composure and dived to his left to nick the ball away.

When Malone tried to find Len O’Sullivan inside the penalty area, Lewis Barr got to the ball first but headed it only inches wide of the post.

Despite a succession of corner-kicks in added time, Glenavon was unable to force the equaliser its contribution to the match merited.

CRUSADERS: Tuffey, Jewitt-White, O’Rourke, Callacher, Larmour, Blaney, Lowry, Weir, Stewart, Boyd, Franklin, SUBS: Brown (not used), Williamson for Jewitt-White (85 mins), Smith (not used0, J. O’Connor for Boyd (67 mins), Anderson (not used), Barr for Weir (88 mins), Downey (not used).

Yellow Cards: Weir (25’), Jewitt-White (56’), Larmour(90’).

GLENAVON: Ryan, Toure, O’Sullivan, Murphy, McKeown, Carlin, Malone, Atherton, O’Connor, McDaid, Campbell, SUBS: Byrne, Snoddy for O’Connor (90+5 mins), Lynch (not used), McKeown for Murphy (77 mins), Prendergast for McDaid (67 mins), A. Heaney for Atherton (67 mins), Wilson (not used).