Irish Premiership: Glenavon 1-0 Ballinamallard Utd

Glenavon striker Kevin Braniff capped a superb performance by scoring the only goal in the Premiership victory over Ballinamallard at Mourneview Park.

Mallards keeper Fergal Murphy kept out a Ciaran Martyn strike while Johnny Lafferty wasted two good chances to put the visitors ahead in the first half.

Braniff volleyed home after 50 minutes after Kris Lindsay flicked on Gareth McKeown's long throw-in.

Lafferty missed out again by smashing straight at keeper Alan Blayney.

Braniff curled just wide with the game's first opening and the forward set up Martyn for the midfielder's early shot.

Lafferty was denied by Blayney as he went clear on goal and the striker blazed over from 10 yards before the break.

Braniff provided a clinical finish to put Glenavon ahead before Lafferty completed a poor night in front of goal by finding the arms of Blayney with just the keeper to beat.

The Mallards are still without a league win this season while Glenavon move up to fourth and two points behind leaders Ballymena United.