Glenavon 3–1 Dergview

Gary Hamilton’s Testimonial Match

Mourneview Park, Saturday 30th July 2022

Match report by Calum Jones

Glenavon continued their pre-season programme with a 3-1 victory over Championship club Dergview in Gary Hamilton’s testimonial match at Mourneview Park on Saturday afternoon.

Matthew Fitzpatrick gave the Lurgan Blues the lead on 12 minutes when he lobbed the Dergview goalkeeper, but the visitors hit back to equalise just a minute later when number 10 drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

Fitzpatrick grabbed his and Glenavon’s second seven minutes into the second half when he headed home from a Jack Malone corner, and victory was then wrapped up on 74 minutes when half-time substitute Josh Doyle fired home a low left-foot effort.

Gary’s sons Calum and Corey were given the honour of getting the game underway. The brothers had earlier taken part in an U15s game against Craigavon City, which the young Lurgan Blues won 4-1, with Calum grabbing two of the goals.

It was Dergview who threatened first when their number 2 cut inside from the right flank and fired a shot goalward with his left foot on eight minutes, but the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar.

Glenavon broke the deadlock four minutes later. Andy Hall played a ball over the top for Fitzpatrick to run onto and the striker produced a superb, lobbed finish to send the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper and into the net.

The away side hauled themselves level just a minute later. When the Glenavon defence failed to clear a free-kick the ball fell to Dergview’s number 10 and he drilled a low shot into the far bottom corner with his right foot.

Malone had a good game for Glenavon in midfield and he forced the Dergview goalkeeper to make a save on 27 minutes with a well-struck shot from distance.

The home side regained the lead in the 52nd minute. Malone delivered a corner from the right and Fitzpatrick met it to power in a header.

Dergview’s captain went close with a curling shot from outside the box on 58 minutes which went narrowly over the bar.

Victory was wrapped up for Glenavon on 74 minutes when substitute Josh Doyle drove in a low left-foot shot.

Marc Matthews was introduced in the second half to replace Rory Brown in goal, and the young goalkeeper had to make a smart save in the dying moments of the game to deny Dergview a second goal, diving to his left and tipping the ball onto the post.

The Lurgan Blues continue their preparations for the new season with a game against Annagh United at Mourneview Park next Saturday (6th August). Kick-off will be at 2PM. Glenavon then wrap up their pre-season fixtures with a trip to neighbours Dollingstown on Wednesday 10th August, with kick-off for that one being at 7PM.

Photo by Maynard Collins