The numbers stack up for Stephen McDonnell as Glenavon dismiss Loughgall

Glenavon 2 Loughgall 0

Glenavon's Jack Malone celebrates his goal during this afternoon's game at Mourneview Park in Lurgan.

Stephen McDonnell did not go as far as to say that it was the best 45 minutes that he has seen from his players since his arrival as Glenavon boss but the fans certainly gave their approval for a scintillating first half at Mourneview Park.

They had only two goals, from Isaac Baird and Jack Malone, to show for it but they proved enough to make it four wins in a row and move the Lurgan Blues to within two points of Loughgall, who missed the chance to move into the top half of the Premiership table.

“We were absolutely fabulous and it wouldn’t have surprised me if we went in three or four up,” said McDonnell. “Our numbers were so effective, I think it was double figures in crosses, corners and shots. We hit the crossbar and scored two so really happy with the way we controlled virtually the entire first-half."

They were unable to add to their advantage after the break, reduced to two long-range shots, saved by Berraat Turker, but McDonnell explained it away by giving credit to the opposition.

Glenavon's Isaac Baird is chased by Loughgall's Tiernan Kelly

“They flipped their shape, paid us a little respect by matching up our 4-3-3, and of course when in a winning position, it’s obviously easier for the opposition to throw everything at you and, in fairness to Loughgall, they are a fair side and a great addition to the league,” he added.

It didn’t help that the influential Peter Campbell lasted only three minutes of the second-half, forced to withdraw because of a tight hamstring, but Loughgall boss Dean Smith was in no mood to give his players any credit.

“It was really poor from us today,