IRISH LEAGUE: Andy McGrory bags late penalty to seal point for Glenavon against Linfield

LINFIELD 1 GLENAVON 1
Andy McGrory scores his equalising penaltyAndy McGrory scores his equalising penalty
Andy McGrory scores his equalising penalty

Andy McGrory grabbed a late lifeline for Glenavon in this dramatic Danske Bank Premiership clash against Linfield at Windsor Park.

The midfielder stepped up to lash home the equaliser from the spot 10 minutes from time to keep his team on course for an automatic European qualification place.

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Aaron Burns shot the Blues ahead in the first half also from the spot, before Kevin Braniff had a penalty saved by makeshift goalkeeper Mark Haughey, who took over from the dismissed Ross Glendinning.

Linfield were right out of luck on 12 minutes when Sean Ward’s cross was only half cleared to Jimmy Callacher, whose fierce 25 yard blockbuster crashed back off the underside of the crossbar with goalkeeper Johnny Tuffey totally beaten.

Referee Raymond Crangle award his first penalty of the day when he decided that Connor Dillon handled a Reece Glendinning shot on 37 minutes.

Although Ross Gaynor looked the likely candidate to hit the penalty by putting the ball on the spot, Burns claimed the ball and confidently rolled Gaynor’s to the side before sending Tuffey the wrong way.

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But Glenavon missed a glorious chance to level on 55 minutes when Belfast whistler Crangle against again pointed to the spot after Ross Glendinning sent O’Brien crashing inside the box, which earned the goalkeeper a red card.

Haughey took over between the posts before making a sensational save to keep out Braniff’s spot-kick.

Astonishingly Glenavon were awarded their second penalty of the game 10 minutes from time.

Reece Glendinning was this time was adjudged of handling a Joel Cooper shot, but he was no more than one yard away. McGrory stepped up to lash he ball home.

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Linfield: Ross Glendinning, Haughey, Callacher, Waterworth, Bates (Smyth 59), Burns, Ward, Clarke, Mulgrew, Reece Glendinning, Gaynor (Kee 85).

Subs not used: McLellan, Millar,Fallon.

Glenavon: Tuffey, Kelly, Dillon, Kilmartin (Sykes 61), Marshall Cooper (Patton 84), Hall, McGrory, O’Brien, Braniff (Hamilton 75), Martyn.

Subs not used: Lindsay, Elebert.

Referee: Raymond Crangle (Belfast).