A superb 42nd minute strike with the outside of his right boot by Garth Walsh was enough to give Glenavon the three points at Tillysburn Park and move the Lurgan Blues to top spot in the table, at least until Saturday evening.

Johnny Montgomery made a welcome return to the centre of defence with Johnny Wright moving to right back, and the extra aerial strength of Montgomery and McAlinden combined was called on to deal with the Welders' chief threat: the long throw-ins of Ian Maitland which were as good as corners. Only once did one of these result in an attacker having a free header and that sailed over the bar.

McMahon had a great early chance in a one-on-one with the keeper in only the third minute which Rutherford saved well at close range.

At the midpoint of the first half a cross from the Welders' right was flicked on to the unmarked Cleland and, with Carroll coming out to close him down, McAlinden had to clear his goal-bound lob. Minutes later Walsh made a good run down the left wing and sent over a low cross that McMahon, at full stretch, could only get the merest of touches to but not enough to direct it goal wards. At the half hour mark one of Maitland's long throws made it right across the box and, as Wright went to head it clear, it looked like he may have handled it but the referee would not have been able to see the incident clearly.

Cleland then had a 30 yard effort comfortably saved by Carroll and O'Connor was not far wide with a 37th minute free kick. Gawley was unlucky not to score two minutes later when he had two well struck shots blocked en route to goal.

At half time Tommy Kincaid replaced Wright with Hyndes who slotted in at left back with Reid moving to right back.

The second half chances fell to the visitors but no-one in a blue shirt could find the finish to kill the game off as the Welders ran out of ideas and kept thumping the ball forward.

Delany got on the end of a ball over the top but his shot lacked conviction and Rutherford dealt with it easily. Seven minutes from time McMahon played Gawley in and the youngster tested Rutherford with a well struck shot that the keeper held at the second attempt. Delany then broke clear but he shot early and the ball rose over the bar, with the keeper possibly getting a slight touch.

In the final minute a long ball down the left almost produced a goal for Welders substitute Ryan Marsh but Stephen Carroll pulled off a great save to ensure the points went home to Lurgan.