Glenavon stun Linfield at Windsor

The lead is down to just two points, although Linfield do have the chance to extend that to five points on Friday night when they complete their games before the split against bottom of the table Institute.

However, this defeat was a massive blow for David Jeffrey's men and once again it was the Lurgan Blues who dealt them a hammer blow. It was two defeats against lowly Glenavon last season which ultimately cost the Blues the league and Marty Quinn's side stunned the home fans with a remarkable second half effort.

"We had too many players not performing at the required standard," said a disappointed Jeffery. "We had a great opportunity to pick up three points and maintain a healthy lead, but we failed to make the most of the opportunity. It simply was not good enough. We managed to get in front and perhaps should have come in at the break in a stronger position because I warned the players Glenavon would come back at us.

"Two quick goals turned the game and we never really recovered from it and overall it was our worst display since January."

It all could have been so different as the title favourites made a bright start with Michael Gault creating an early chance for Curtis Allen. When the pass came Allen did well to create the space and hit a firm shot but Andrew Plummer made a great save.

Allen then turned provider with a good ball to Peter Thompson, his run was direct and when the ball came into the middle Gault had a simple tap in for the opening goal.

Gault could have hit a second when again Thompson set up the chance but this time, further out, his effort flew narrowly wide.

Linfield should have doubled their advantage three minutes from the break when a free kick by Damien Curran was met William Murphy but his downward header took a deflection off a defender and cleared the bar.

Right on the whistle Jamie Mulgrew made a surging run before slipping the ball to Philip Lowry but again Plumber pulled off a smart save to deny the Blues' midfielder.

A first half with Linfield mainly in control and not too much from Glenavon to be concerned about - but that was all to change in the second period.

The first chance after the restart fell to the home side, Thompson cut inside the far side and picked Mulgrew inside the box and he teed up Lowry but he failed to test the keeper - that was as good as it got for the Blues.

On 60 minutes the Glenavon comeback began Gary Liggett found himself in acres of space to get in his shot, keeper Alan Blayney could only direct it into the path of Adrian Harpur and he drilled the ball into the net.

Two minutes later and a low cross from Stuart King fell to Rory Hamill and he flicked the ball past Blayney for what proved the winner.

Linfield were rocked and they could not find a way back. Indeed it was Glenavon who went closest to scoring again with Curran forced to clear a firm drive from Costello off the line.

A night of high drama and still all to play for in the title race.