FROM GLEN TWO GLEN..

Deadly duo send Oval men through to final

DEADLY double act Conor Mcmenamin and Jay Donnelly fired Glentoran into the European play-off final with two moments of magic at the Betmclean Oval.

Fresh from being named in the Irish League team of the year, the Glens’ top two scorers offered another reminder of their quality with crucial goals in the second half.

The lively Mcmenamin raced onto a Donnelly pass to open the scoring with a superbly lofted shot over the head of young Glenavon keeper Josh Clarke.

And Donnelly put the tie to bed when he rose to head home an inch perfect Mcmenamin cross for his 29th goal of the season.

Victory edged Mick Mcdermott’s men into Friday night’s play-off final where they will meet Larne, who beat Coleraine 2-0 at Inver Park.

The Glens will have home advantage due to their higher league position, with the winners qualifying for the first qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.

It was scoreless at the break in east Belfast although Glenavon keeper Clarke, still only 17, did well to parry an early rising shot from Seanan Clucas.

Mcmenamin pulled the ball back for the midfielder who connected cleanly but Clarke produced a superb one handed save high to his left.

At the other end Glens keeper Aaron Mccarey reacted quickly to save at the feet of Matthew Fitzpatrick and also parried a low drive from the lively Peter Campbell.

Both sides had strong penalty appeals turned away in the opening period, firstly when the Glens claimed handball after Mcmenamin’s shot was blocked by Calum Birney inside the area.

Glenavon left-back Danny Wallace also claimed a spot-kick after tumbling inside the six yard box, but on both occasions referee Lee Tavinder waved play on.

Mcmenamin opened the scoring three minutes into the second half and what a strike it was, latching onto Donnelly’s pass to caress a rising shot over the advancing Clarke.

It was a clinical and composed finish from the former Cliftonville winger who has emerged as one of the top talents in the Irish League.

Donnelly flashed a close range header wide of target and skipper Marcus Kane also dragged a shot past the far post as the Glens chased a second.

Clarke was also called upon to parry another Mcmenamin shot in the 68th minute before Donnelly did make it 2-0 in the 72nd minute.

Mcmenamin crossed and the striker took his goal tally for the season to 29 in 40 games with a towering header, the ball soaring into the top corner.

Rory Donnelly had a chance to add a third in stoppage time but the substitute blazed wide after being teed up by Mcmenamin.