Old mate sinks Gregg's boys

Molloy (32); Grant (87)

Institute(1) 1

McCready (41)

AN old team-mate of John Gregg ended Institute’s JJB Sports Irish Cup campaign for this season.

Glenavon striker Tony Grant came off the substitute’s bench to fire home the Lurgan Blues’ late winner and break his old friend’s heart, on Saturday.

After a bright start which saw both sides playing like they wanted to finish the tie at the first time of asking, it was the home side that broke the deadlock after 32 minutes.

James Costello’s centre was flicked on by Hugh Dickson and the alert Trevor Molloy saw his effort divert past the hapless Gavin Cullen.

To their credit the visitors, who were missing Declan Divin and Sean Friars, drew level in spectacular fashion.

Youngster Joe McCready, who really has been a shining light since he broke into the first team a few weeks ago, saw his 30 yard thunder bolt flew past a flat-footed Andrew Plummer in the Glenavon goal.

Just before the break Marty Quinn’s side thought they had strong claims for a penalty after Costello was brought down inside the area by Paddy McLaughlin, but Dundonald referee Trevor Moutray waved play on.

A disappointing second half was brought to life on 55 minutes when Jay Magee’s corner found Molloy but his cross-cum-shot, which had Cullen beaten, came back off the woodwork.

At the other end McCready might have doubled his tally for the day with a 25-yard dipping effort which forced Plummer to scramble across his goal to keep the ball out.

Institute were unlucky not to take the lead for the first time in the tie when Ruairi McClean, who missed Tuesday night’s win over Dungannon Swifts through injury, saw his super effort somehow kept out by Plummer.

In the closing minutes subtitute Kevin Ramsey broke clear, but his well hit drive was kept out by the combination of both Plummer and the woodwork.

Then when it looked like both sides would have to settle for a replay at Drumahoe, Grant grabbed the winner.

A long ball wasn’t cut out by the sliding David Ogilby and the alert ex-St Patrick’s Athletic striker Molloy released Grant who calmly rounded Cullen, before slotting the ball home.

Glenavon: Plummer, Magee, Dickson, Murray, Molloy, Carvill, Haughey, Costello, Davey, Johnston, Harpur. Subs: King for Carvill (60); Grant for Costello (67); Walsh for Murray (90); McDonagh & Gracey (not used).

Institute: Cullen, Wray, McLaughlin, Ogilby, Seydak; Semple, McClean, Boyle, Holmes; McCready, McClements. Subs: Ramsey for McCready (80); Lowry for Semple (84); Crown, McFadden & Blackburn (not used).

Referee: Mr Trevor Moutray (Dundonald).