GLENAVON UNDER 16

The Glenavon Under 16 Team plays in the Lisburn Junior Invitational League.

Click the links below to see the current League Table and Fixtures.

YOUNG BLUES MAKE MID ULSTER CUP FINAL

Mourneview Park hosted the semi final of the Mid Ulster Under 15 cup on Monday night where Glenavon defeated Cookstown Utd 2–1 to earn a place in the final.

In a close contest the Blues fought hard against a team who were a division above them and who beat them convincingly earlier in the season. In the first 10 minutes Cookstown had the upper hand winning numerous corners and putting the Glenavon back line under some pressure and but for some great defending from the back four of Crozier Scullion McArdle and Carson would have edged in front. Carson in particular had to make some excellent challenges to keep the forwards at bay.

The Glenavon U15 team which saw off Cookstown Youth in the semi final of the U15 Mid Ulster Cup.

Glenavon started to get back into the game and create a few chances themselves. With Patterson supplying some good passes to the wide men they started to get some success down the wings. On 28 minutes though O’Hare had to be quickly off his line to clear the danger as a Cookstown forward ran clear. The half ended scoreless as both teams cancelled each other out.

The second half was barely two minutes old when Cookstown should have taken the lead. A cross from the left was missed by the defenders and an onrushing forward's low shot was saved well by the feet of O’Hare and scrambled to safety.

This seemed to spark Glenavon into life and on the 59th minute Kerr cut in from the right hand side to curl a great shot into the far corner leaving the keeper no chance.

Dwayne Kerr celebrates scoring his first goal against Cookstown Youth in the semi final of the U15 Mid Ulster Cup.

Cookstown began to push for the equalizer, leaving holes in their defence where the home team started to hit on the break. The second goal came with a break down the left by Andrews and he crossed into Kerr to control and fire home with his right foot.

Cookstown then made a few changes pushing three up front but they never got much change from the Glenavon defence but with 8 minutes to go disaster struck when a mistimed tackle in the box resulted in Cookstown pulling one back from the spot.

In a nervy final few minutes Cookstown threw almost everyone forward but they could not find a way through a well organised backline.

It was a great team performance with everyone playing their part and it shows how much the team has improved over the last few months with a cup final to look forward to and with a chance of winning the league it’s been a pretty good first season for the young Blues.

Recent Results

Glenavon U16 3-1 Banbridge Town U16
Glenavon U16 2-0 Lisburn Distillery, Mon Apr 7th
Glenavon U16 1-0 Ballymena Utd., Wed Apr 9th

1st January: Cup Final

Missed Chances Cost Young Blue’s

Linfield U16 2-1 Glenavon U16

Glenavon U16 team was beaten by Linfield in the final of the Lisburn Junior Invitational Shield on New Years Day.

A catalogue of missed opportunities cost Glenavon’s under 16 side the Lisburn Shield on New Year's Day. The Young Blues dominated Linfield for the vast majority of the final but contrived to miss chance after chance and eventually lost out to a 2-1 score line.

Glenavon had the perfect start when Captain Marc Haughey headed home the opener with only 5 minutes on the clock and they went on to dominate the remainder of the half. Phillip McGrath, Declan McVeigh, Thomas Maguire and Andrew Dalzell all had excellent chances to increase the lead but they failed to find the back of the Linfield net.

The Linfield management had their team fired up for the start of the second half and they equalized within 5 minutes of the kick off. The Young Blues regrouped quickly and went in search of a second goal and Phillip McGrath in particular had the Linfield defence chasing shadows but again the final touch was missing from the forward line and they paid the ultimate price as Linfield broke away to score and lead by 2-1.

The final 15 minutes saw Glenavon launch wave after wave of attacks on the Linfield goal in search of the equaliser, Thomas Maguire missed when through one on one with the goalkeeper and Phillip McGrath had a shot brilliantly saved. Glenavon introduced Karl Wylie with 10 minutes remaining but the big striker couldn’t find the elusive equaliser to rescue the game.

Phillip McGrath of Glenavon was voted Man of the Match by the officials.

Philip McGrath steps through the Linfield defence during the Lisburn Shield Final.

Glenavon's Philip McGrath was awarded 'Man of the Match' and was presented with his trophy by former Glenavon manager Colin Malone

More action shots from the Final can be found at drewmcwilliams.com.

The Road to the Final

Glenavon Under 16’s defeated Lisburn Distillery 4-2 with goals from Cameron Grieve, Andrew Dalzell, Daniel Hughes and Phillip McGrath to ease through the opening round of the shield and secure a quarter final tie with local rivals Lurgan Town.

Dean Mallen had given the Young Blues an early lead but the Town fought back to lead 2-1 with only minutes to go before Karl Wylie saved the day with a late equaliser which sent the tie into extra time and then penalty kicks which Glenavon won by 4-2.

The semi final against Glentoran was played in atrocious conditions with Glenavon winning by 4-3 with goals from Phillip McGrath, Shea Skelton (2) and Andrew Dalzell to secure a New Years Day Final with Linfield.

Putting the Boot In!

Website www.the-beautiful-game.com

Squad for Lisburn Junior Invitational Shield Final, January 1st 2008

Goalkeepers

Daniel Wright, Co Armagh Milk Cup Squad, signed this season from Lurgan Town. Has played for the under 18 and reserve team this season.
Gareth Buchanan, County Down Milk Cup squad, signed from Banbridge Town. Has played for the under 18 and reserve team this season.

Defenders

Marc Haughey, (Captain) County Armagh Milk Cup Squad, signed from Banbridge Town. Has played for the under 18 and reserve team this season. A player who could feature for the first team this year.
Mark Davidson, County Armagh Milk Cup squad. Signed from Sunnyside.
Johnny McAreavey, Signed from Sunnyside, just back from a serious knee injury which sidelined him for over a year.
Adam Hylands, Signed from Portadown, cultured full back with a bright future.
Cameron Grieve, Signed from Hillsborough Boys, has also captained the Irish cricket side this year.

Midfield

Shea Skelton, Signed from Sunnyside, dynamic midfielder with an eye for the spectacular goal.
Matthew Bagnell, County Armagh Milk Cup Squad. Signed from Windmill Stars.
Liam Bagnell, County Armagh Milk Cup squad and captain of the Northern Ireland School Boys. Signed from Windmill Star.
Dean Mallen, Signed from Hillsborough Boys. Midfield playmaker with superb passing ability
Mark Forsythe, The youngest member of the squad and one to look out for in the future, recently returned to Northern Ireland after a spell in Spain.

Forwards

Andrew Dalzell. County Armagh Milk Cup Squad and IFA Centre of Excellence. Signed from Lisburn Youth and leading goal scorer this season.
Thomas Maguire, County Armagh Milk Cup Squad, Signed from Lurgan Town. Has played for the under 18 team this season.
Karl Wylie, IFA Centre of Excellence, Signed from Lower Maze Youth. A player with an eye for the spectacular goal.
Daniel Hughes, County Armagh Milk Cup Squad. Signed from Barcroft.
Phillip McGrath, County Down Milk Cup Squad, Signed from Banbridge Town.

22nd December: Glenavon 5-0 Lurgan Town

Phillip McGrath
Andrew Dalzell
Daniel Hughes
Dean Mallen
Marc Haughey

Glenavon’s Under 16 team warmed up for next week's Cup Final with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over local rivals Lurgan Town.

The game was over as a contest by half time with Glenavon scoring 4 times in the first half, with Phillip McGrath’s 25 yard opener being the pick off the bunch. Andrew Dalzell, Daniel Hughes and Dean Mallen were also on the score sheet in a one sided first half. The Young Blues eased off in the second half and they had to wait until the last minute to add to the score when captain Marc Haughey scored with a towering header from a corner kick.

15th December: Glenavon 16’s 4-1 Loughgall

Andrew Dalzell (2)
Mark Haughey
Daniel Hughes

Glenavon’s high flying under 16 team returned to league action on Saturday following last weeks thrilling cup semi-final and it wasn’t really surprising that they lacked a little bit of sparkle against a stubborn Loughgall side.

A double strike from Andrew Dalzell, who has now scored 5 in his last 3 games and goals from captain Marc Haughey and Daniel Hughes were enough to see the young blues home with something to spare.

8th December: Happy New Year's Shea

Lisburn Junior Invitational League, Under 16 Shield Semi-final

Glenavon 4-3 Glentoran

Phillip McGrath
Shea Skelton (2)
Andrew Dalzell

A Shea Skelton double helped Glenavon Under 16’s reach the final of the Lisburn Junior Invitational Shield when they defeated Glentoran Under 16’s by a single goal at a rain lashed Ballymacoss Playing Fields on Saturday morning. In one of the few games to beat the weekend weather both teams produced a thrilling game which swept from end to end despite the appalling conditions.

Glenavon had raced into an early lead when Thomas Maguire released Phillip McGrath and the winger outpaced the Glentoran fullback and beat the goalkeeper at his near post. Midfield dynamo Shea Skelton doubled the lead midway through the half with a superb curling strike from the corner of the 18 yard box.

Glentoran pulled a goal back late in the half when their centre forward raced clear as the Glenavon defence claimed offside, the referee waved play on and the striker coolly finished past a helpless Garth Buchannan. The second half saw Glentoran pile on the early pressure but the Glenavon defence which was superbly marshalled by Captain Marc Haughey held firm. Glenavon eased the pressure with a clinical strike from Andrew Dalzell mid way through the half and a second goal from Shea Skelton had the Lurgan Blues 4-1 up with 15 minutes to go.

Glentoran staged a grandstand finish by pulling 2 late goals back but Glenavon’s young guns held on to claim a spot in the New Years day showpiece final.

1st December: Glenavon 16's 3-2 Lisburn Youth

Dalzell 2, Skelton

Glenavon’s under 16’s extended their winning run to 8 games on Saturday against high flying Lisburn Youth, but the young blues made hard work out of this game. An Andrew Dalzell first half double had Glenavon coasting to victory but a defensive mix up allowed the Lisburn side back into the game and Glenavon had to wait until the final minute before Shea Skelton scored the winning goal direct from a corner kick.

Glenavon had started the game in positive fashion and could have been 4 goals up inside the opening 10 minutes, Andrew Dalzell had a diving header well saved, Shea Skelton had an effort cleared off the Lisburn line, Marc Haughey crashed a header off the cross bar and Thomas Maguire failed to beat the keeper when through one on one. Andrew Dalzell finally opened the scoring in the 12th minute, Andrew picked the ball up just outside the penalty box and the Lisburn defence backed off the Glenavon striker and his drive found the bottom corner of the net. Phillip McGrath released Dalzell again in the 30th minute and Andrew slotted home his and Glenavon’s 2nd goal of the game. This should have been the signal for the young blues to go on and win comfortably but a defensive mix-up late in the half threw Lisburn a lifeline and they grabbed it with both hands and in the second half they put the young blues under intense pressure which resulted in an equaliser with 15 minutes of the game remaining. At this stage a draw looked the most likely result but the game had one final twist as Glenavon scored with virtually the last kick off the game as a Shea Skelton corner was adjudged to have crossed the line giving the locals the 3 points

24th November: Young Blue’s “Torture” Whites

Glenavon 16’s 4-0 Lisburn Distillery

Matthew Bagnell, Daniel Hughes, Thomas Maguire, Karl Wylie

Glenavon cruised past Lisburn Distillery by 4 - 0 in this Lisburn Junior Invitational League fixture at the Barbour Playing Field on Saturday morning. Glenavon coach Davy Maguire shuffled his pack for this game with Andrew Dalzell, Phillip McGrath Adam Hylands and Karl Wylie all rested and starting on the bench which is a clear illustration of the strength in depth which the club now has at this age group. Gareth Buchanan, who is still eligible for the under 16’s age group despite having a starring role in the 18’s squad took over from Daniel Wright in the goalkeeping position after Daniel had been involved in the reserve team fixture the previous evening. In the end Garth’s main concern was keeping warm on a bitterly cold morning as Distillery failed to muster a meaningful attempt on the Glenavon goal during the game.

Glenavon took the lead midway through the first half when Matthew Bagnell swung in a cross from wide on the right which the Distillery goalkeeper somehow misjudged and the ball trickled over the line. Mark Forsythe retired at halftime with an ankle injury and was replaced by Phillip McGrath who has just returned from a successful trial with Oldham Athletic, Phillip’s powerful running brought a new dimension to the young blues and they doubled the lead 10 minutes into the second half. Distillery had changed goalkeepers at half time but the new custodian gifted Daniel Hughes a goal when he miss-hit a goal kick to the young forward who returned it back into an unguarded net.

Thomas Maguire added a third goal mid way through the half after good work from Andrew Dalzell but the game will be remembered for a piece of individual brilliance from Karl Wylie 5 minutes from time. The big centre forward picked up the ball on the Distillery penalty spot with his back to goal, Karl flicked the ball up and executed a perfect overhead kick which the Distillery goalkeeper and defenders could only watch and admire as it sailed past them and nestled in the back of the net.

17th November: Top Mark’s for Young Blues

Linfield 2-2 Glenavon 16’s

A Mark Forsythe double earned Glenavon a share of the points in a thrilling Lisburn League fixture against high flying Linfield on Saturday morning. Mourneview’s young guns knew they were in for a stern test against most observers pre-season title favourite's, but Davy Maguire’s charges are beginning to gel into one of the leagues top teams.

The young blue’s had to soak up early Linfield pressure but they took the lead with a superb counter attack, Shea Skelton picked the ball up in the centre of his own half and attempted to release Karl Wylie, Karl realizing he was in an off side position allowed the ball to run on and Thomas Maguire was quickest to react, he outpaced the Linfield full back and fired across an inch perfect pass for Mark Forsythe to slot home at the far post.

The lead wasn’t to last long as Linfield hit back immediately when the Glenavon back line failed to deal with a long free kick into the heart of the defence and the Linfield forward scrambled the ball home. Glenavon missed a guilt edged opportunity to regain the advantage minutes later when Mark Forsythe failed to connect properly when unmarked in the Linfield area and then Karl Wylie had a left foot shot saved by the keeper. These misses were to prove costly as the Belfast blues scored a break away goal to secure a 2-1 half time advantage.

The second half saw Glenavon on top and they were playing some of their best football of the season with Shea Skelton and Dean Mallon pulling the string’s in midfield, and the equaliser arrived mid way through the half when Mark Forsythe scored his second goal of the game, Linfield will undoubtedly feel aggrieved as the referee had missed a clear foul in the build up to the goal. The young blues now sensed victory but they were denied the three points by a mixture of poor finishing and fantastic goalkeeping. The Linfield keeper tipped a Thomas Maguire free kick over the cross bar and he rescued Linfield again minutes later with a point blank save from Mark Forsythe. Glenavon had one last chance as Mark Forsythe found himself unmarked on the edge of the six yard box but he snatched at the shot and it sailed over the cross bar.

10th November: Wylie Breaks Lurgan Hearts (Lisburn Shield QF)

Glenavon 16’s 2-2 Lurgan Town

Glenavon win 4-2 on penalties A.E.T.

Glenavon and Lurgan Town fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the quarter final of the Lisburn Shield on Saturday morning with Glenavon progressing to the semi-finals after a 4-2 penalty shoot out.

The two teams had met in the Lisburn league earlier in the season and the young blues had steamrollered the Town side by a 5-0 score line, but this Lurgan team was made of much sterner stuff and had raised their game by several notches. Glenavon where forced to make several changes prior to kick-off with the versatile Karl Wylie moving from his normal centre forward role to fill in for captain Marc Haughey at the heart of the defence and Thomas Maguire returning from suspension. Glenavon got off to the perfect start when Dean Mallon scored what could potentially be the “goal of the season” in the 5th minute. Lurgan failed to clear a Glenavon corner and the ball fell to the central midfielder 25 yards out and he sent in a stunning drive which found the top left hand corner of the Lurgan goal. Minutes later and Glenavon nearly doubled the advantage. A stunning move involving Adam Hylands and Andrew Dalzell split the Lurgan defence and Thomas Maguire, stretching, steered his shot inches wide.

All credit to Lurgan, who refused to buckle under the early pressure and they gradually started to press the young blues back and Cameron Grieve had to be at his very best in the centre of the Glenavon defence to keep Lurgan at bay but the equaliser looked inevitable and it arrived with 5 minutes of the first half remaining following a mix up in the Glenavon defence and was really nothing less than the Town side deserved.

Glenavon introduced Mark Forsythe early in the second half as a direct replacement for Mathew Bagnell as the young blues tried in vain to regain the initiative but Lurgan continued to “boss” proceedings and it was no great surprise when they took the lead midway through the half following a neat build up. The young blues were now staring down the barrel of defeat and coach Davy Maguire played his ace card by sending Karl Wylie from the back to reinforce the Glenavon forward line and the decision had an immediate effect with the Lurgan defence finding it difficult to handle the extra player. Time was running out for the young blues when Phillip McGrath found Karl Wylie in the centre of the Lurgan penalty box and despite being heavily marked Karl managed to swivel and crack home a left foot drive past the despairing Vennard in the Lurgan goal to send the tie into extra time.

Karl Wylie cracks home the equaliser for Glenavon v Lurgan Town

Both sets of players tired as extra time kicked in and the dreaded penalty shoot out was needed to separate the local rivals. Thomas Maguire confidently dispatched the first penalty and Daniel Wright dived low to his right to save Lurgan’s first effort to give Glenavon an early advantage. Johnny McAreavy and Shea Skelton both scored from the spot to maintain the advantage. Vennard tipped Mark Forsythe’s penalty onto the crossbar to give Lurgan hope but Daniel Wright saved the next Lurgan penalty and Dean Mallon netted to secure the victory and a semi final against Glentoran.

Under 16's players celebrate Cup victory over Lurgan Town

3rd November: Glenavon 16’s 2-1 Sunnyside

Two stunning strikes from Karl Wylie and Andrew Dalzell sealed another fine victory for Glenavon’s under 16 side on Saturday and moved the young blues back into fifth position in the Lisburn League. Sunnyside where clearly up for this local derby fixture and had Glenavon on the back foot for most of the early exchanges and were rewarded with an opening goal in the 15th minute. This setback seemed to rouse Glenavon from there early morning slumber and the young Blues where level 5 minutes later when a Shea Skelton pass split the Sunnyside defence, Karl Wylie raced onto the through ball and placed a first time shot past the advancing Sunnyside keeper and into the bottom corner of the net. This was to be the big strikers last contribution to the game as he was forced to retire minutes later with an ankle injury and was replaced by Daniel Hughes. Glenavon continued to play the better football and they where rewarded mid way through the second half when Phillip McGrath played an inch perfect through ball to last weeks hat trick hero Andrew Dalzell, and Andrew made no mistake with a stunning drive into the back of the Sunnyside net to secure the three points.

27th October: Dazzling Blues - Glenavon 3-2 Crusaders

A very young Glenavon team entertained Crusaders at Wallace Park on Saturday in the Lisburn Junior League. Manager Davy Maguire was forced to make changes to the team which had recorded back to back victories in the league and cup with Thomas Maguire and Matthew Bagnell both unavailable, Karl Wylie and Dean Mallen stepped up to the starting line up and both players where to play an influential part during the game.

The young blues knew they were in for a battle against a bigger and stronger Crusaders team but they got off to the perfect start when they opened the scoring with less than a minute on the clock. A Phillip McGrath cross was flicked on by Karl Wylie and Andrew Dalzell was on hand to slot home from inside the six yard box. The same players combined again in the 5th minute to increase the lead, this time Phillip McGrath played a through ball to Karl Wylie and the big centre forward outpaced the Crusaders defence and seemed to be taken down as he rounded the goalkeeper, the referee waved play on and Phillip McGrath was alert enough to pick up the loose ball and spot Andrew Dalzell unmarked inside the 6 yard box and Andrew duly dispatched the ball into the empty net for his second goal of the game.

All credit to Crusaders who did not collapse and they had the young blues pinned back for much of the remainder of the half but the centre back pairing of Cameron Grieve and Marc Haughey where dealing with everything the Crues could throw at them. Glenavon still looked dangerous on the break and one flowing move resulted in a Dean Mallen shot being deflected just wide of the upright. The Glenavon defence was caught cold with virtually the last kick of the half when a high looping free kick was allowed to travel into the heart of the Glenavon area and the Crusaders forward rose unopposed to head past Daniel Wright.

The second half saw more Crusaders pressure with Glenavon being forced to play counter attack football. Daniel Wright in the Glenavon goal pulled of a stunning save to prevent a Crusaders equaliser midway through the half and Glenavon assured themselves of the 3 points when Karl Wylie found Andrew Dalzell free in the Crusaders box and the striker showed great composure to complete his hat-trick with only 10 minutes remaining. The Belfast side completed the scoring with the final kick off the game but the young blues had done enough to deserve the points.

20th October: Glenavon 2-1 Banbridge Town

Glenavon under 16 got back to winning ways in the Lisburn Junior league on Saturday with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Banbridge Town.

The young blues went into this game with the memory of back to back league defeats against Ballyclare and Portadown hanging over them. Glenavon started the game in there usual brisk fashion and were unlucky not to take the lead in the 5th minute when Andrew Dalzell had a shot cleared of the line.

Banbridge gradually forced there way in to the game and they took the lead in the 15th minute with a near post header from a corner kick. The lead was to be short lived as Marc Haughey powered in a header from a Phillip McGrath corner 3 minutes later to level the scores. The goal moved the big centre half to the top of the Glenavon goalscorers list. It was becoming a case of déjà vu for Glenavon with chance after chance being created and squandered. Mark Forsythe came closest for the young blues when he clipped the top of the Banbridge crossbar following good work from Phillip McGrath.

The second half followed the same pattern with chance after chance going begging. The winning goal finally arrived mid way through the half, Philip McGrath was the hero for Glenavon when he fired into the roof of the goal following an exquisite pull back from Mark Forsythe.

13th October: Lisburn Distillery 2-4 Glenavon 16’s

Lisburn Junior League (Shield 1st round)

Glenavon under 16’s had a break from league action on Saturday as they entertained Lisburn Distillery in the first round of the Lisburn Invitational Shield. The young blues got off to the perfect start when Cameron Grieve hammed in the opening goal with only 5 minutes on the clock following a corner from Phillip McGrath. Andrew Dalzell came close to doubling the lead in the 10th minute when he shot narrowly wide following good work from Mark Forsythe . The second goal, which Glenavon’s enterprising play deserved, duly arrived in the 15th minute when Andrew Dalzell was on hand to slot home after the Distillery keeper could only parry a shot from Shea Skelton. As the half wore on the Whites started to gain a foothold and Daniel Wright was forced to complete a fine double save in the 27th minute but he could not prevent Distillery pulling a goal back with only two minutes of the half remaining. Adam Hylands came close to restoring the two goal advantage with the last kick of the half when he fired in a 25 yard drive which the goalkeeper did well to tip over the bar.

Coach Davy Maguire made a double substitution early in the second half with Dean Mallon replacing Shea Skelton and Daniel Hughes replacing Mark Forsythe and the changes had an immediate impact with Daniel Hughes firing in the third Glenavon goal after great work on the left wing from Andrew Dalzell.

Karl Wylie replaced Matthew Bagnell as Glenavon looked for extra bite in the midfield area but slack marking at the back post, from a harshly awarded free kick, allowed Distillery to pull a second goal back The young blues were not to be denied a quarter final spot and Philip McGrath rounded of a fine individual display with a thunderbolt from 25 yards.

6th October: Glenavon 16's 0-1 Ballyclare Comrades

For the second game in a row Glenavon under 16’s contrived to totally dominate a game and still end up losing by a 1-0 score line. This week the opponents were Ballyclare Comrades and the young Blues had them on the back foot from the kick-off. Glenavon were attacking with pace and power with both Phillip McGrath and Mark Forsythe delivering telling crosses into the Comrades box. The midfield duo of Karl Wylie and Matthew Bagnell were controlling the game with chance after chance being created and spurned. Disaster struck the young Blues in the 20th minute when a miss-directed back pass from Bagnell went straight to the Ballyclare center forward who had an unopposed run in on goal and scored despite the best efforts of Glenavon goalkeeper Daniel Wright. Glenavon suffered their second major blow in as many minutes when influential midfielder Karl Wylie was forced to retire early suffering from a hip injury. Glenavon pushed forward in search of an equaliser and both Adam Hylands and Declan McVeigh struck the Ballyclare woodwork. The second half was a carbon copy of the first with Ballyclare defending for there lives and Glenavon spurning chance after chance. Thomas Maguire had a shot tipped over, Marc Haughey had a header cleared of the line, Adam Hylands and Andrew Dalzell both struck the woodwork but the elusive equalizer just wouldn’t come for Glenavon.

22nd September: Derby Day Blues for 16’s

Glenavon 0-1 Portadown

Glenavon under 16’s were in action against Mid Ulster neighbours Portadown in the Lisburn Junior League last Saturday, The young Blues were looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last week's defeat by Newmills.

Portadown started the game brightly and Daniel Wright in the Glenavon goal was forced to make an early save. Glenavon midfielder Shea Skelton then forced a save from the Portadown goalkeeper in the fifth minute. The opening exchanges continued to go from end to end with centre half Karl Wylie being involved at both ends. In the 12th minute a Glenavon corner from Phillip McGrath fell to Wylie on the edge of the box and his snap shot was cleared off the Portadown line, minutes later the same player was forced to clear off his own line after a Portadown attack.

As the first half progressed Glenavon took control with Cameron Grieve hitting the Red's crossbar, Thomas Maquire fired wide when well placed and Andrew Dalzell forced a good save from the Portadown goalkeeper following a cross from Matthew Bagnell.

Glenavon continued to press in the second half but the Portadown defence continued to hold firm and Glenavon were now being forced to shoot from distance with Daniel Hughes firing over the crossbar on a couple of occasions.

The young Blues were becoming more frustrated by the minute and they were caught with a sucker punch with only 10 minutes left on the clock. A long hopeful ball out of the Portadown defence split the Glenavon defence and the striker rounder Daniel Wright to slot the ball home despite the best efforts of Karl Wylie to prevent the ball crossing the line. Glenavon streamed forward in search of an equaliser and Daniel Hughes came closest when he shot over the bar in the final minute.

15th September: Glenavon 2-6 Newmills

Glenavon under 16’s entertained Newmills in the Lisburn League on Saturday morning. The young Blues were hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the season against last years under 15 champions but the day started badly for Glenavon with Mark Forsythe forced to withdraw due to injury.

Glenavon started the game in positive fashion and forced Newmills onto the back foot. The passing game employed by the young Blues was a joy to behold and Newmills were chasing shadows right across the pitch. In the 13th minute the Newmills goalkeeper tipped a thunderous drive from Thomas Maguire over the crossbar and from the resultant corner Glenavon captain Mark Haughey powered in a bullet header to give Glenavon a deserved lead. A second goal seemed inevitable and it duly arrived in the 22nd minute. Goalkeeper Daniel Wright released Andrew Dalzell and he outpaced the Newmills defence and crossed for Daniel Hughes to score his first goal in Glenavon colours. There seemed to be only one possible winner of this game but the young Blues committed the cardinal football sin and took their foot off the throttle and allowed Newmills back into the game. Full credit must be given to the Belfast team who grabbed the opportunity with both hand and by half time they had levelled the score line.

The second half was a ruthless display by Newmills who had Glenavon pinned back in their own half and they added goals at will to put the game out of sight. Glenavon did have chances late on with substitute Karl Wylie coming closest with a diving header which flew past the post with the keeper well beaten.

This was a tough lesson for the local boys and one which they will hopefully learn from. They will have the opportunity this Saturday to show if they have learned to kill games off when they compete in the first Mid Ulster derby of the season against Portadown and the Glenavon coaches will be looking for the correct response from the players.

8th September: Glenavon 5-0 Midway United

Phillip McGrath, Mark Forsythe, Mark Haughey, Thomas Maguire, Andrew Dalzell.

Glenavon under 16's recorded back to back 5-0 victories in the Lisburn League on Saturday. The opponents this week were Midway United from Newry. Glenavon opened the scoring in the 13th minute when debutant Phillip McGrath scored direct from a corner kick. The young Blues increased the lead in the 23rd minute when goalkeeper Daniel Wright's long throw released Andrew Dalzell, Andrew outpaced the defence and pulled the ball back for Mark Forsythe who rocketed home from the edge of the box. Glenavon made it 3-0 with a training ground corner kick routine which resulted in a bullet header from captain Mark Haughey.

Glenavon started the second half briskly and centre half Karl Wylie picked up a loose ball inside his own half and attacked the centre of the Midway defence with power and pace, Karl exchanged passes with Andrew Dalzell on the edge of the box but the keeper managed somehow to stop the shot with his legs. A through ball from midfield dynamo Shea Skelton released Thomas Maguire and Maguire showed composure well beyond his years to round the goalkeeper and slot home. The Midway keeper was called into action again minutes later when he tipped a Skelton shot round the post. He then turned a thunderous Wylie volley over the bar. Centre forward Andrew Dalzell finally got the reward his play deserved when he picked up a ball from Maguire and skipped past two defenders to score with the final kick of the game.

1st September: Glenavon 5-0 Lurgan Town

Marc Davidson, Thomas Maguire 2, Andrew Dalzell, Declan McVeigh

Glenavon Under 16's opened up their Lisburn League campaign on Saturday with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Lurgan Town. Glenavon started briskly and Karl Wylie forced an early save from the Lurgan goalkeeper. Glenavon continued to dominate and it wasn't long before the early pressure was rewarded with a goal from centre half Marc Davidson who crashed a header in at the back post from a Maguire corner. Wylie came close to doubling the lead in the 25th minute with a strike from 25 yards which flew over the crossbar and Andrew Dalzell forced another fine save from the goalkeeper. With the first half nearing completion last season's leading goal scorer Thomas Maguire latched on to a loose ball in the box to fire in Glenavon's second goal of the game.

The second half saw the young Blues continue to dominate and Maguire soon added his second and Glenavon's third with a simple back post flick. Coach Davy Maguire replaced Wylie with Marc Forsyth and Mark made an immediate impression forcing the goalkeeper to spill his well struck shot which Andrew Dalzell forced over the line. Lurgan by this stage had no answer to the fluent Glenavon football with Adam Hylands causing chaos down the left hand side with his incisive running and it was Adam's cross which led to the fifth and final goal of the game. Declan McVeigh reacted quickest to another loose ball to rifle an unstoppable shot into the back of Lurgan's net.

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