Dungannon Swifts woes continue as Ballymena United move up to fourth and Crusaders grab late win

The Swifts – who were coming off a 5-1 weekend defeat to Ballymena United – fell behind in the 12th minute as Greg Moorhouse latched on to a poor pass in the Dungannon defence and slid the ball under onrushing goalkeeper Sam Johnston.

Andy Hall doubled the Lurgan Blues advantage with an impressive free-kick and repeated the feat a matter of moments later – this time bending it over the wall – to put Gary Hamilton’s men in an unassailable position at half-time.

The break didn’t have the effect manager Dean Shiels would have hoped for as Glenavon scored a fourth six minutes into the second-half when Matthew Fitzpatrick’s shot deflected in off Matthew Smyth.

Things got even worse for the home side as substitute Rory Patterson had a penalty saved by Craig Hyland – who had brought Ben Gallagher down for the spot-kick to be awarded – before Patterson was sent-off moments later for a second bookable offence.

The defeat leaves Dungannon two points adrift at the bottom while Glenavon extend their unbeaten run to three games.

Elsewhere, two Crusaders goals in as many minutes helped them secure a 2-1 victory against Portadown.

After a goalless first-half in which the highlights included Portadown striker Lee Bonis firing just wide from 20 yards, it was the home side that took the lead through Adam Salley in the 63rd minute.

The visitors had failed to clear from a free-kick and Salley’s shot deflected in over a helpless Sean O’Neill in the Crusaders goal.

They were able to get back on even terms through Aidan Wilson in the 79th minute before Jordan Owens then fired Crues in front to complete the comeback.

There was also cause for celebration at Ballymena as they jumped up to fourth place with a 2-0 win over Carrick Rangers.

The home side took the lead when unlucky Carrick defender Steven Gordon could only turn Paul McElroy’s dangerous cross into his own net.

Shay McCartan secured the three points, running free and chipping over Carrick keeper Aaron Hogg.

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