Cliftonville dominated the early periods in the game and deservedly led through a George McMullan goal in the 6th minute. He dived to head in Conor Downey's cross from the edge of the six yard box despite McDonald getting a hand to his powerful header.

Glenavon's performance seemed to pick up after Marty Verner forced a great one-handed save from Paul Straney in the 32nd minute. This heralded a period of sustained Glenavon pressure which saw McKnight's shot turned round the post by Straney and eventually culminated in a 38th minute equaliser. Gerard McMahon's corner was headed back across goal by Davy McAlinden and Verner leaped to nod the ball down and over the line.

Three minutes before the interval Verner robbed Mulvenna but he was not able to get away and ultimately he slipped and lost the ball. On the stroke of half time Cliftonville had a shout for a penalty tuned down when Black tangled with Chris Scannell.

In the 58th minute Glenavon had a strong penalty shout waved away by Mr Courtney when Paul McKnight was brought down by a clumsy challenge from Declan O'Hara inside the Red's box, but the only outcome was a goal kick.

Straney, who was clearly struggling from the start, had to be replaced just after the hour mark by the tiny reserve keeper, Ben Moane, but Glenavon singularly  failed to test him in any way in the remaining 30 minutes.

Nathan McConnell's shot struck a Glenavon defender and spun right across the goal mouth before going out for a corner. Once again, slack marking led to Glenavon conceding a goal from a set play when the resulting corner was flicked on and McConnell rose unopposed at the far post to head past McDonald in the 65th minute.

Two minutes later Friars clipped the top of the Glenavon bar from a well-struck free kick. Verner was then forced to retire with the thigh strain that has troubled him for some weeks now, McMahon moving up front with Walker coming off the bench to replace Glenavon's top scorer. Minutes later Davy McAlinden missed a great chance to equalise when, six yards out,  he failed to get a touch to Black's flick over the Reds defence.

Gary Kennedy then replaced Chris Scannell and the former Ards player almost had an instant impact with a great run into the box and it took a desperate defensive block by Aaron Black to deny him what looked a certain goal. McDonald then made a good save from O'Loughlin's fierce drive and he did just enough to force Kennedy wide and put his shot into the side netting.

In the end the Reds deserved the victory but had that clear-cut penalty claim by McKnight been awarded before the hosts restored the lead, Glenavon could have edged in front and the outcome of the game may have been very different but such is football.