Irish Premiership: Glenavon 4-1 Ards

Glenavon maintained their impressive start to the season as they comfortably accounted for bottom club Ards in the Premiership clash at Mourneview Park.

Scott Davidson put Ards ahead from a second-minute penalty but Guy Bates levelled from the spot on 10 minutes.

As Glenavon began to dominate, David Rainey put the home side into the lead on 25 minutes.

Andy McGrory hit Glenavon's third goal on 71 and Andy Hunter's own goal four minutes later completed the scoring.

Glenavon thought they had taken the lead in the opening seconds after Rainey bundled the ball in the net.

However, Rainey was adjudged to have impeded Ards's late replacement keeper Graeme McKibbin after McKeown's long throw and the effort was ruled out.

Glenavon frustration was only increased when summer signing Davidson hammered Ards ahead from the penalty spot after McKeown had been adjudged to have fouled Neil Dougan.

However, Glenavon were on terms within eight minutes as Bates netted from the spot after Ciaran Martyn had been brought down by Andy Smith.

As Glenavon took control, they took the lead on 25 minutes as Rainey lashed to the net after being set up by McGrory.

Ards improved in the third quarter as half-time substitute Craig McMillan made an impression on the left side of midfield.

McMillan set up a chance for Ryan Moffatt to level but the opportunity was blazed wide.

As Glenavon began to reassert themselves, Rainey headed a great chance wide on 63 minutes.

However, Glenavon's two-goal cushion was restored eight minutes later as McGrory netted from close range after a Bates shot had come back off the woodwork and rebounded off keeper McKibbin.

The game was definitely over as a contest 15 minutes from time when Hunter diverted a McKeown cross into his own net.

Glenavon's win keeps them only a point behind leaders Cliftonville while Ards are now alone at the bottom on three points after Warrenpoint's draw against Crusaders.