Glenavon’s hopes of qualifying for the Europa League were shattered by a Glentoran team which was well up for the game and also capitalised on errors by the Lurgan Blues and some controversial refereeing decisions.

Darren Murray put the visitors in front in the 27th minute but Caolan Marron equalised on the stroke of half time with a 30 yard drive into the bottom corner.

Curtis Allen put the Glens back in the lead two minutes into the second period but Glenavon players were insistent that he had controlled the ball with an arm. There was also controversy when Gavin Peers brought down Stephen Murray as he bore down on goal but only received a yellow card from referee Lee Tavinder. Although Andrew Mitchell scored from the resulting free kick to make it 2-2, the outcome may have been different if the Glens defender had been given his marching orders.

Less than a minute after that Mitchell strike Robbie McDaid was presented with a gift when Robert Garrett uncharacteristically misplaced a back pass and the former Glenavon striker easily seized on it to put the visitors back in front.

As Glenavon threw everyone forward in search of an equaliser Darren Murray showed a superb touch just inside his own half to spin away from Seamus Sharkey and there was no stopping the speedy striker who raced clear and slotted past Jonny Tuffey to seal the Glens passage to Saturday’s final with Cliftonville.