Glenavon FC were denied three points by a dramatic injury-time equaliser in a 2-2 BOYLE Sports Championship draw away to Armagh City on Saturday. The late strike from Armagh's T.J. Molloy cancelled out a second-half penalty from Ryan Waide and meant the points were shared at Holm Park.
This result leaves Glenavon fourth in the Championship table with seven points from four games. Their record stands at two wins, one draw, and one loss, with a recent form of draw, win, win, loss. The team has scored 11 goals and conceded seven this season, giving them a positive goal difference of four.
How did the match unfold?
The game began at a frantic pace with both sides scoring inside the opening seven minutes. Glenavon took the lead after just six minutes when Paddy Burns met a Peter Campbell cross with a powerful header at the near post. Their advantage lasted barely a minute. Straight from the restart, Odhran Smyth set up T.J. Molloy, who unleashed a dipping right-footed shot from more than 25 yards that flew past Lorcan Donnelly in the Glenavon goal.
Chances flowed at both ends throughout a lively first half. Ethan Devine saw a header from 12 yards saved by Armagh goalkeeper Conner Byrne. Jude Johnson curled a shot inches over the bar for Glenavon, while at the other end, Armagh captain Callum Parker tried his luck from an ambitious 50 yards, forcing Donnelly into a scrambling save.
Who were the key players?
Ryan Waide was central to Glenavon's attacking threat. He had a free-kick opportunity on the edge of the area but lost his footing. He was more clinical from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, sending Byrne the wrong way after being impeded by the goalkeeper. Waide's goal looked to have secured the win.
For Armagh City, the standout performer was Dundalk loanee T.J. Molloy. He scored both of his side's goals, the early long-range effort and the decisive late intervention. His double showcased his threat from distance and his composure under pressure. Glenavon's veteran midfielder Mark Patton also made a vital contribution, clearing a Harry Adair shot from the six-yard box to protect his team's lead.
What were the late chances?
Glenavon had several opportunities to put the game beyond doubt before Molloy's late heroics. In the 70th minute, Jude Johnson saw a shot from eight yards saved by Byrne following a Peter Campbell cross. Ethan Devine then headed over from a Johnson delivery and later had a point-blank range shot superbly stopped by the busy Byrne. Substitute Brandon Doyle also forced a near-post save from the Armagh keeper.
Armagh pressed relentlessly as the clock ticked into added time. Their persistence paid off when Molloy found space and fired home the equaliser, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters and leaving Glenavon players dejected.
What does this mean for Glenavon's season?
The draw represents two points dropped for Glenavon, who now sit three points behind league leaders Newington Youth. The team's next fixture is a crucial home match against those same Newington Youth leaders on September 19th. This upcoming clash at Mourneview Park presents a direct opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full fixture list on our standings and fixtures pages. The squad will need to regroup quickly and find a way to see out games if they are to maintain a title challenge, a task that starts with preparing for the league leaders. This match report is based on information provided by Glenavon Football Club.
