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Steven Crawford

Larne get back to winning ways after hard-fought victory at Glenavon

Larne extended their lead at the top of the league to five points as a Sean Ward own goal gave them a hard-fought win at Glenavon.

The Invermen were determined to get back to winning ways again after defeats to Linfield and Coleraine in the previous two games.

Chances though were few and far between at Mourneview Park until the unfortunate Ward glanced Daniel Kearns corner into his own net on 80 minutes.

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The visitors drafted experienced duo Albert Watson and Fuad Sule into the starting line-up in a bid to halt their two-game losing streak.

Mark Haughey, Calum Birney, Matthew Snoddy and Conor McCloskey all returned for the hosts as Gary Hamilton rang the changes following Glenavon's defeat at Dungannon Swifts last Saturday.

McCloskey almost made an immediate impact as his inswinging corner was destined for the net but for a brilliant reaction by Rohan Ferguson to claw the ball off the line.

Cian Bolger was forced off to tidy up a head wound following a clash with Sule and the home side tried to take advantage of the extra man with Matthew Snoddy testing Ferguson from distance.

Larne responded before they were restored to their full complement of players as Ben Doherty raced away before forcing Rory Brown into a smart stop.

Glenavon were looking the most likely to break the deadlock with Peter Campbell next to go close before the half hour.

Calum Birney won possession back in theLarne half before releasing the winger, who drilled a shot inches past the upright.

Overall it was a largely forgettable first half though with neither side doing enough to get their noses in front.

The second half sprung into life inside three minutes as Doherty cut inside leaving Sean Ward in his wake before drilling in a low shot, which Brown could only parry forcing Danny Wallace to clear the loose ball.

Teenager Issac Baird had the home fans out of their seats midway through the half as he latched on to a clever pass from substitute Michael O'Connor.

The midfielder took a touch on the edge of the box before drilling a shot towards goal, which Ferguson did well to tip away for a corner.

The visitors started to step things up in the closing stages and only a great piece of defending by Matthew Fitzpatrick prevented Watson from converting as a cross from Kearns.

They weren't to be denied though as from the resulting corner by Kearns the unfortunate Ward glanced the ball into his own net to give Larne the lead with ten minutes to go.

Right at the death Millar blazed over in front of goal after great work by O'Neill to create the opening.

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