Glenavon lose to leaders as miserable run goes on
George McMullan put the Reds ahead from a penalty on 16 minutes after Kris Lindsay’s foul on Joe Gormley.
The second came just seven minutes later when Martin Donnelly’s low cross was turned in by home skipper Eddie McCallion for an own goal.
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Hide AdReds striker Liam Boyce hit the Glenavon woodwork in the second half.
Cliftonville were on top from the start. Andy Coleman made a close-range save from McMullan and was also equal to a Barry Holland header.
Glenavon struggled to get out of their own half for spells in the opening period, and had only a fleeting half chance when Lindsay flicked a header over after a ball in from the left wing.
The Lurgan Blues improved after the break but player-manager Gary Hamilton was criticised by the home support after young striker Andrew Mitchell, and not Hamilton himself, was substituted.
Cliftonville had chances to add to their lead as Gormley went close and Boyce headed against the woodwork.