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Glenavon's League campaign got off with a disappointing result despite a battling performance from the players as a second half penalty and a disallowed goal for the home side denied them a deserved share of the points.

Ormond Okunayia in action against Ballymena

Kevin Kelbie fashioned a chance out of nothing in the 5th minute when he picked up a throw with his back to the goal and turned to shoot from a tight angle with Tuda Murphy tipping his effort over the bar. Seconds later the action swept to the other end with Paul Walsh whipping over a dangerous cross that was just deflected away from the waiting Lewis Hamlin and Richard Gibson.

The visitors took the lead in the 16th minute when hesitant defending allowed Garth Scates to cut the ball back to an unmarked Kelbie and he slammed the ball high into the net from 12 yards.

Gibson equalised, his first goal for Glenavon, after he picked up a poor clearance from Watson, turned Aaron Callaghan and steered the ball into the bottom corner past Paul Murphy with the outside of his left boot.

Richard Gibson's equalising goal was his first for Glenavon

Two minutes later saw Hamlin pick up the ball in the United area but, with little support, he had to hold the ball up until Okunayia arrived and, with a deft back heel, he set up a shooting chance for the youngster which was deflected over the bar by a last ditch block on the line.

United restored their lead from the spot eight minutes into the second half through a Davitt Walsh penalty after Johnny Cowan had brought Scates down just inside the area.

The big Glenavon keeper made a great save five minutes later, coming off his line to get a vital touch at Kelbie’s feet as the striker raced onto Scates’ pass, both keeper and striker picking up a knock in the collision. As Glenavon broke from the resulting corner Hamlin went on a solo run down the left wing and cut inside, striking a shot against the outside of the post from a tight angle.

Gibson almost doubled his tally in the 69th minute when he side-stepped a challenge on the edge of the box before scooping the ball over after good work by Hamlin. Glenavon did have the ball in the net in the 77th minute when Cowan headed in Keogh’s cross following a short corner routine but Referee Michael McLoughlin blew for an infringement in the crowded box.

Glenavon continued to pile on the pressure and the visitors had Haveron to thank for keeping them ahead as he blocked Keogh’s close range shot.

In the final minute of added time Conor Walsh found himself unmarked at the back post as McMahon’s deep free kick evaded keeper and defenders but he put his header high and wide.

Glenavon boss Colin Malone was pleased with the effort of his team, though disappointed by the result