A second-half goal by Matthew Fitzpatrick gave Glenavon victory in their first pre-season friendly this afternoon.
The Lurgan Blues travelled to East Belfast and will be wondering how the first half ended scoreless, given they had the vast majority of the chances.
Gary Hamilton changed nine of his starting XI at half time as he aimed to give each player in his squad 45 minutes.
And it was one of those substitutes, new signing Matthew Fitzpatrick, who scored the game’s only goal around the hour mark. He raced onto a ball over the top of the East Belfast defence, got it under control, and fired past the goalkeeper.
Second half goalkeeper James Taylor saved a late penalty, diving low to his right.
Glenavon are back in action on Tuesday night away to Dundalk outfit Muirhevna Mor, who are managed by former Glenavon defender Simon Kelly (please note the new kick-off time of 7.45pm) and again on Wednesday when we go to Crumlin United (kick-off 7.15pm).

Matthew Fitzpatrick. Picture: Maynard Collins.

Greg Moorhouse drives forward. Picture: Maynard Collins.

The East Belfast goalkeeper rises to get the ball ahead of Glenavon’s James Singleton. Picture: Maynard Collins.

Matthew Fitzpatrick scored the only goal of the game in Glenavon’s opening pre-season friendly against East Belfast. Picture: Maynard Collins.

Danny Purkis. Picture: Maynard Collins.