Glenavon 2 Institute 0
Saturday 29th July 2023
Glenavon produced an encouraging second half performance to defeat Institute 2-0 at Mourneview Park.
Once again Aaron Prendergast was the man who did the damage. The 19 year old scored both goals (31, 76 mins) and might have had a hat-trick. He has now found the net eleven times in pre-season.
The only worrying moment for the Lurgan Blues was Jack Malone’s premature departure. The attacking midfielder left the pitch late in the first half with what may be a slight hamstring strain.
Neither Glenavon nor Institute was at its best during the opening 45 minutes.
The home side scored with its first noteworthy effort. Aaron Prendergast took possession on the right and shot across the face of goal. Dylan Doherty got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.
Niall Quinn’s free kick from the edge of the penalty area struck the inside of a post. When Isaac Baird got his head to the rebound, Doherty made an excellent save. Just before the break Quinn shot just over the crossbar from a second free kick in a similar position.
Institute’s only worthwhile attempt was Liam Mullen’s shot from distance. Rory Brown saved easily.
The second half was much more entertaining.
Glenavon dominated for long periods and created a series of excellent goalscoring opportunities.
Peter Campbell headed just wide from Prendergast’s cross. Then Campbell blasted the ball goalward from close range. When Doherty saved, Stephen Teggartlatched onto the loose ball but his effort was cleared off the goal-line.
Aaron Rogers’ deep cross found Prendergast 7-8 yards from goal. He connected cleanly but his powerful volley flew inches wide of a post. Next Tiernan Mulvenna found Prendergast. This time the Belfast teenager’s shot was saved.
Another effort by Campbell tested Doherty. Minutes later the left-winger won possession in midfield and released Prendergast. The teenager let fly from outside the penalty area but Doherty, once more, dived to save.
Substitute Andy Mooney was unfortunate when his goalbound shot was blocked. Later he spurned a clear-cut chance at the far post following good work by Isaac Baird. Again, Doherty clawed the ball away.
Institute went close twice when first Liam Mullan’s free-kick attempt hit the post and then Mark Mbuli’s follow-up effort was cleared from the line by Danny Wallace.
Stephen Teggart almost got the goal his industry deserved. However, his far post effort deflected off not one, but two defenders and squirmed wide of an upright.
Glenavon’s second goal duly arrived 14 minutes from time. Niall Quinn’s corner fell to Prendergast standing inside the six yard area with his back to goal. The number nine did not attempt to turn and shoot. Instead, he cleverly back-heeled the ball into the net past several defenders and the goalkeeper.
Institute might have scored when the ball fell to former Mourneview defender Dylan King. However, the tall central defender shot wide from only 5-6 yards.
Peter Campbell hit the frame of the goal with a cross cum shot. Then Mulvenna picked out Prendergast at the back post but, again, the centre-forward turned away in frustration as the Institute goalkeeper made an excellent save.
GLENAVON: Brown, Snoddy, Rogers, Baird, Wallace, Teggart, Malone, Quinn, Campbell, Henderson, Prendergast, SUBS: Mulvenna for Malone (37 mins), Mooney for Henderson (half time), Lynch for Snoddy (83 mins), Purvis (not used).
