Hamilton’s late leveller denies Institute
Despite taking the lead thanks to Stephen O’Flynn’s goal, it was Gary Hamilton’s late leveller, which ensured ten-man Glenavon battled back to earn a share of the spoils.
Neither side really got their game going until 30 minutes when a neat run and cross from the left by Ciaran Caldwell found Kevin Braniff, but the striker failed to trouble Institute goalkeeper Martin Gallagher, as he headed over from 12 yards.
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Hide AdMinutes later the home side went close but James Singleton saw a stinging 20-yard drive whistle just past Gallagher’s right-hand post.
On 40 minutes a neat pass by in-demand O’Flynn found Stephen Curry inside the Glenavon penalty box, but the winger’s first time shot fizzed just wide.
Just before the break Robbie Hume got in behind the Glenavon back-line but his cut-back to an unmarked Curry was cleared for a corner by a back tracking William Murphy.
Hume got away from the Glenavon defence early in the second half, but after latching onto O’Flynn’s perfect through ball, the striker’s close range strike was easily saved by Alan Blayney.
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Hide AdInstitute started the second half strongest and deservedly took the lead on 55 minutes thanks to that man O’Flynn, who has been targeted by Linfield and Glentoran in recent weeks.
The striker was initially brought down by Singleton on the right hand side of the box, and after dusting himself down the Cork man made no mistake with the resulting free-kick curling the ball into the bottom corner.
Kyle Neill missed a sitter to equalise on 57 minutes but with only Gallagher to beat he dragged his shot well off target.
Player/manager Hamilton’s side continued to push forward for an equaliser but Braniff’s header was easily saved by Gallagher.
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Hide AdInstitute substitute Paul McVeigh came off the bench and made an impact on 81 minutes when he was pulled down by Singleton and although veteran defender Murphy looked like he was getting back to alert the danger, referee Evan Boyce showed the young defender a straight red card.
That set-back didn’t upset the Lurgan men as they equalised five minutes from time when Hamilton was on hand to side-foot home after Gallagher had superbly tipped Caldwell’s initial drive onto the post.
In the closing stages McVeigh and Hume had chances to win the game for Stute, but they were failed to take their chances.
Glenavon: Blayney, Marshall, Murphy, Lindsay, Singleton; McGrory, Caldwell, McCabe, Neill (Hamilton 75); Braniff, Bradley.
Institute: Gallagher, O’Donnell, McLaughlin, D Curry; Young (McVeigh 62), Crown, Walsh, McKeever (Toland 75); S Curry, O’Flynn, Hume.
Referee: Mr Evan Boyce (Ballygowan).