Glenavon see off Warrenpoint and Carrick draw with Ballinamallard

A Declan O'Brien double and late Mark Sykes goal saw Glenavon beat bottom side Warrenpoint Town 3-1, Liam Bagnall netting on 77 minutes for the hosts.

O'Brien headed home at the back post from an Andy Hall free-kick in the 21st minute and another header from a Hall cross on 59 extended the advantage.

Carrick Rangers drew 1-1 with fellow strugglers Ballinamallard at Solitude.

Miguel Chines tapped in after nine minutes but Stephen O'Flynn restored parity by firing in on 25 minutes.

Gary Haveron's Carrick had won the previous two matches between the clubs this season, while the Mallards were without an away league win since 24 October last year.

Chines was on hand to convert his 13th goal of the season after Adam Salley's fierce shot cannoned off the post early in the game.

Ivan Sproule laid the ball off for O'Flynn to drill the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area past Brian Neeson, who late denied the former Crusaders and Institute striker with a fine save.

O'Brien the matchwinner for Glenavon

Warrenpoint and Glenavon boasted identical league records of five wins, four draws and one defeat from their last 10 league outings prior to Saturday's meeting between the sides.

Ciaran Martyn struck the woodwork for the Lurgan Blues in the early stages, while Stephen Murray hit the post for Barry Gray's team.

Gary Hamilton's men have not lost an away Premiership game since November and O'Brien's brace, plus Sykes' 88th-minute goal, ensured that their record is extended further.

Warrenpoint are two points adrift at the foot of the table, while Glenavon retain their fourth place in the league standings.