Irish Premiership: Cliftonville 2-3 Glenavon

Glenavon survived a late comeback from Cliftonville to beat the champions at Solitude and move themselves into contention for a European place.

Kevin Braniff scored a 33rd-minute penalty, while James McGrath saved Joe Gormley's spot-kick after the break.

Eoin Bradley side-footed home from close range on 59 minutes and Braniff rammed in the third five minutes later.

Martin Donnelly lobbed the ball into the net from the edge of the area and James Knowles volleyed in for the Reds.

Braniff fired a free-kick over early on, while for the Reds, Jay Donnelly shot across the face of goal.

Braniff coolly converted his penalty past Peter Cherrie after Bradley's volley was handled by Knowles inside the area.

The hosts battled back and McGrath twice denied Martin Murray and also saved a curling Knowles free-kick.

The visiting keeper again distinguished himself by pushing Gormley's penalty round the post after Simon Kelly was pulled up for handball.

Gormley, returning to action after serving a suspension, was again thwarted by McGrath, before Bradley struck from two yards out.

Braniff's second appeared to have made the points safe but Donnelly threw Tommy Breslin's side a lifeline by scoring in the 79th minute.

Knowles's close-range strike eight minutes from time made it a nervy finish for the Lurgan Blues.