Delight for Stephen McDonnell as Glenavon fight through the fog to overcome Ballymena United

Ballymena United 0 Glenavon 1

Glenavon's Conor McCloskey celebrates the only goal of the game at the Ballymena Showgrounds

Conor McCloskey's deflected header in the first half at the Ballymena Showgrounds gave new Glenavon manager Stevie McDonnell his third league victory in a row.

The Lurgan Blues should have been home and hosed by half time but for Sean O'Neill pulling off a string of vital saves and were good value for their victory.

Their composure on the ball and crisp passing gave them the edge against fellow basement battlers Ballymena and gave them a six point lead over their hosts yesterday.

The Sky Blues remain just a point ahead of Dungannon Swifts in 10th position, alongside Newry City.

The Showgrounds was cloaked in thick fog before kick-off but referee Ian McNabb deemed the conditions safe and supporters were treated to a spirited performance from both teams in the first 45 minutes.

Isaac Westendorf saw a glancing header from a twelfth minute Mikey Place free kick held by Rory Brown in the Glenavon goal before Aaron Prendergast and Sean O'Neill began a personal duel at the other end.

Ballymenas Isaac Westendorf and Glenavon's Connor Kerr In today's game at Warden Street Ballymena v Glenavon in the SPORTS DIRECT Premiership 28/10/23 Pacemaker Press

When Stevie McCullough was dispossessed on 21 minutes, the Lurgan Blues broke through Peter Campbell and McCloskey, who fed Predergast in time and space in front of goal, but his side footed shot was saved by O'Neill.

Ryan Waide proved lively in the Ballymena attack and menaced with a neat turn and shot on 27 minutes that was deflected for a corner, then seeing Jack Doyle block a second attempt inside the box four minutes later.

A minute later, Prendergast again