Sports Direct Irish Premiership

Shamrock Park, Portadown

Friday 26^th December 2025

Despite completely dominating the second half, Glenavon suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in the second Mid-Ulster derby of the season.

Luke Wilson (36 mins) scored the winning goal.

In the opening moments Paul McGovern was on target with a shot from distance. Aaron McCarey saved easily.

Paddy Burns almost gave the visitors the lead when he half volleyed Niall Quinn’s free kick. McCarey dived to his right to make fine stop.

In the 10^th minute Jacob Carney sustained a head injury when he gathered the ball at the feet of Eamon Fyfe. After a lengthy delay he was able to continue.

James Teelan threatened as the Ports broke quickly. Oran O’Kane blocked his shot on the edge of the penalty area.

When Teelan let fly from an acute angle, Carney saved with ease.

Jack Malone forced Carey to fling himself to his right when he unloaded a fine drive from 22 yards. The Ports’ keeper made an excellent save.

The home side forged ahead when Luke Wilson headed Fyfe’s corner kick past Carney at the far post. The Glenavon players protested as Jordan McMullan was bundled to the ground by Baris Altintop. Their complaints were ignored.

Malone’s shot from a free kick hit Portadown’s defensive wall and was cleared.

Carney was forced to go off at half-time. He was replaced by 16 year old Sean Hamill.

The visitors started the second half on the front foot. When Quinn found Bosakani the Drogheda loanee’s shot was deflected inches wide of the far post.

O’Kane found McGovern with a neat pass. The Newry teenager turned sharply. His brilliant attempt from 15 yards was tipped over the crossbar by McCarey.

Malone’s right foot effort from 20 yards was saved easily.

Harry Murphy’s shot from distance was off target.

Bridel Bosakani headed wide from Corey Smith’s pinpoint cross. He probably should have done better.

In the closing seconds Murphy headed into Carey’s hands after McGovern had challenged for McMullan’s cross.

PORTADOWN: McCarey, Chapman, McCullough, MacKinnon, Altintop, L. Wilson, Teelan, Wylie, Ukek, Fyfe, Thompson, SUBS: Moore (not used), Ismala (not used), Mayse (not used), Gibson for Wylie (67 mins), Minzamba (not used), Annett for Teelan (83 mins), B. Quinn for Ukek (half time).

Yellow Cards: McCullough (40’), Altintop (46’), Teelan (47’).

GLENAVON: Carney, McMullan, O’Kane, Murphy, Burns, B. Wilson, N. Quinn, Malone, Bosakani, McGovern, Smith, SUBS: Hamill for Carney (half time), Cartwright (not used), McKeown for N. Quinn (88 mins), Mallon for O’Kane (75 mins), McClelland (not used), Kee (not used), McGerrigan for B. Wilson (60 mins).

Yellow Card: Malone (89’).

REFEREE: Ben McMaster (Lisburn).