Miskimmin hits a hat-trick

MARK Miskimmin got a hat-trick last Thursday night as Glenavon overcame Banbridge Town 3-2 at the Town’s Crystal Park.

The former Linfield man took his pre-season tally to seven goals in six games, having also scored against Killyleagh YC, Carrick Rangers and Ballyclare Comrades.

Former Glenavon goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan started for the Town and, despite conceding three, made a string of impressive saves, doing well to keep the Blues out for the first 40 minutes.

Then shortly before the break, Tony Grant was brought down inside the area and Miskimmin stepped up to convert from the spot, sending Buchanan the wrong way.

Town made some changes at the break and looked all the better for it as they forced a somewhat fortunate equaliser. Greg Hall’s mis-hit cross got the better of Lee Windrum and beat the Glenavon keeper to level the scoring.

The home side were only on terms for a few minutes though as Miskimmin combined with partner Tony Grant to restore the lead. Grant’s through ball found the 22 year-old who finished well into the bottom corner.

Again, however, the plucky Banbridge equalised through former Blue Paul Walsh. The winger’s deflected free-kick managed to sneak past the unsighted Windrum and into the net.

Miskimmin then bagged the winner as he nodded Ryan Murphy’s cross beyond Buchanan to complete a goalscoring performance that boss Marty Quinn hopes will be the first of many:

“I’m pleased with Mark Miskimmin weighing in with a hat-trick and he took his chances well.

“It was a really good workout for us and the Banbridge team were well up for it. It was a good pre-season game to be participating in. Both teams treated it very seriously and it was a good competitive game.”

Glenavon: Windrum, Neill, McDonagh, Haughey, Shannon, King, Harper, Harpur, Costello, Grant, Miskimmin

Subs: Plummer, Grieve, R Murphy, Magee, Walsh, Lavery, McKee.