Glens miss the target

Gerard McMahon attempts to go on a break

Smirnoff Irish League Premier Division:
Glenavon 0-0 Glentoran (full-time)

Glenavon and Glentoran played out a disappointing scoreless draw in the two teams' first league match of the new season.

A draw was probably a fair result with Glentoran coming more into the game in the second half after Glenavon had looked the better outfit in the first period.

The best chance of the match came four minutes from time with Glenavon's recent signing Conor Forker clipping the Glentoran crossbar with a sharp volley.

The first half hour was poor fare with Gerard McMahon's free-kick on 29 minutes the first decent attempt on goal.

Glenavon's Kevin Keegan should have done better in the 35th minute when he was presented with a chance.

However, the home player completely miskicked from 12 yards out.

Kevin Keegan (left) missed a first half chance

Four minutes later, Glentoran goalkeeper Alan Gough, who had earlier been booked for stealing yards at a free-kick, reacted smartly to block a Dean Smith effort with his legs.

After the break, Glentoran defender Colin Nixon went close with an effort which flew across the face of goal.

On 71 minutes, Gerard McMahon didn't get enough purchase on a half-chance while at the other end, Chris Walker tried his luck with two free-kicks one of which was saved by Stuart Addis.

Then came, Forker's late effort which came after a great Gary Chisholm cross.

Chisholm was introduced as a second half substitute after evidently sorting out his contract wrangle with the Glenavon board.

In the North West Cup, Institute hammered Portstewart 5-0, Omagh Town defeated Moyola Park 6-0 while Coleraine hit seven without reply against Tobermore.

Jody Tolan and Sean Armstrong hit hat-tricks for Coleraine while recent signing James Quigley scored twice for Omagh.

In the remaining North West Cup tie, Limavady United defeated Dungiven 5-2.