NEWINGTON remain top of the BOYLE Sports Championship despite a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Glenavon – relegated from the top flight at the end of last season – at Mourneview Park.
A second-half goal by Ryan Waide was enough for a victory that keeps the title favourites just three points off the pace.
And Glenavon boss Michael O’Connor admits that, eight games in, his players are still adjusting to life in the Championship.
“We probably had the better chances against Newington, who are one of the best teams in this league, very dangerous going forward,” said the former Northern Ireland midfielder.
“We are getting better in what is a tough league. Teams tend to go long at the first opportunity. We will try and go on a run now.”
Ballinamallard had an impressive 3-1 win at the Welders, while Peter Hutton’s Institute beat Warrenpoint Town 2-0 at the Brandywell.
In the evening match, a 58th-minute Jack Barbour goal gave Rathfriland Rangers a 1-0 win over Queen’s University at Iveagh Park.
RESULTS
Rathfriland 1 Queen’s University 0; Glenavon 1 Newington 0; Welders 1 Ballinamallard 3; Institute 2 Warrenpoint 0; Loughgall 0 Armagh City 0; Moyola Park 0 Ards 0; Dundela 1 Strabane 1; Newry City 1 Annagh 1
FIXTURES
Friday September 25 (7.45pm)
Glenavon v Loughgall; Newry City v Welders; Rathfriland v Warrenpoint
Saturday September 26 (3pm)
Annagh v Institute; Ards v Strabane; Armagh City v Dundela; Newington v Ballinamallard; Queen’s University v Moyola Park