by Joe Thomson made his debut in Galentoran to remember when he hit twice to win the visitors a 2-1 victory against Loughgall.
Nathaniel Ferris put the lower side in front of the first half, but Thomson leveled with a superb strike before killing a penalty with two minutes to do.
It takes Glens – in action after their success in the middle of the week of COME de Coch’s shield in the middle of the week – until second place in the ranking.
Coleraine striker Matthew Shevlin equalized with the last kick of the match to ensure a 1-1 draw with Dungannon Swifts in Stangmore Park.
The Première Larne champions defeated Ballymena United 2-1 in Inver Park with Andy Ryan and Dylan Sloan on the target for hosts.
Glenavon won a last 2-1 victory against Carrick Rangers while Paul McGovern won him in an additional time.
The goals of Harry Franklin, Jordan Foryshe and Harry Jewitt-White helped Crusaders to a 3-2 victory against Portadown in Seaview.
Top Man Thomson
Thomson, who joined Larne Glens earlier this week, finished a remarkable turnaround at Lakeview Park, with his late penalty sealing a precious 2-1 victory for Galentoran after the midfielder illuminated the afternoon with A spectacular equalizer.
The drama contrasts with a first half where Loughgall, placed at the bottom, had amazed the Glens who have the title. Nathaniel Ferris jumped in the 25th minute, presenting his predatory instincts by converting Ben Murdock’s precise crossroads after the intelligent game of Alberto Balde.
Just when the hosts seemed to close during a memorable victory, Thomson presented himself to the faithful of Belfast in the East in a spectacular manner. The midfielder triggered an unstoppable remote shot that flew to the lower corner with 13 minutes remaining before keeping his composure of the penalty point after Ben Murdock was tried for handling the ball.
The villagers were left to the height of missed occasions throughout, nothing more than when Robbie Norton saw his efforts radically erased by Frankie Hvid before the spectacular double backup of Daniel Gyollai turned out to be crucial to set up ‘heroic of Thomson.
The objective on the side of the ultimate in the ultimate now turns their attention to Dollingstown in the Ireland Cup while the Glens are preparing for a force test with Rivaux Linfield.
More to follow …
