Patton hat-trick lifts Glenavon gloom

Mark Patton gave Glenavon the perfect start with the opening goal on three minutes. Andy McGrory crossed for Fabio O’Brien, his flick was pushed out by keeper Kris Fletcher and Patton had a simple tap-in.

Rhys Marshall almost got in for number two a few minutes later but this time Fletcher was quick off his line to gather the ball.

It was 2-0 on 19 minutes thanks to a delightful bit of skill from Fabio O’Brien. McGrory supplied the pass and despite going wide the Dublin man clipped an exquisite lob over the keeper and into the opposite corner of the net.

Patton was on target again to make it 3-0 on 27 minutes after a shot from Braniff rebounded into his path.

Glenavon brought on Matty Lynch for the start of the second half for David Elebert.

On 55 minutes it was all over as McGrory broke into the box, his hard shot seemed to be gathered by Fletcher but Fabio pounced to force the ball over the line much to the disapproval of the keeper who felt he had both hands on the ball.

A few minutes later Patton completed his hat-trick as he ghosted in at the back post.

Dollingstown, to their credit, never gave up and sub Michael Fegan almost pulled a goal back but just as he was about to shoot Marshall got back to concede a corner.

With three minutes to go McGrory slammed in number six after sub Marcus Murphy saw his first shot hit the post, his second attempt was pushed out by the keeper into the path of McGrory.

Glenavon: Blayney, Kelly, Lindsay, Patton, O’Brien, Marshall, McGrory, Braniff, Elebert, Singleton, Drylie.

Subs: McKeown, Lynch, Marcus Murphy, Martin Olali.

Dollingstown: Fletcher, Redpath, Walker, Gibson, Ringland, Moffett, King, Hamilton, Hand, Thompson.

Subs: Adair, Donaghy, King, Fegan, Clydesdale.