Irish Premiership: Glentoran continue 100% start to season to go two clear at top

At the Oval, the game was just four minutes old Ryan Cooney, who scored the winner against Bangor at the weekend, burst into the Glenavon box and unleashed an effort but it was straight into the arms of Jacob Carney in goal.

Twelve minutes later, Glenavon had their best chance of the half. Paul McGovern centred to Stephen Mallon in space, but instead of shooting he slid the ball to Jack Malone, whose shot was blocked.

The breakthrough arrived for Glentoran just after the half-hour mark. After a solid challenge from Josh Kelly in midfield to win back possession, Stewart spread the ball left for Ciaran Coll, who passed along the left flank to Liam Burt, who returned the ball to the diminutive Stewart and he got a shot away.

Carney saved superbly but Stewart was in the right place to head the rebound into the net.

On 62 minutes Glentoran should have doubled their advantage when Danny Amos delivered a low fizzing cross from the left, but Jordan Jenkins’ flicked effort at the near post went just the wrong side of the upright.

Ten minutes later goalkeeper Carney made three tremendous stops to keep Glenavon in the tie. Jenkins, Charlie Lindsay and Stewart all shot within the box, but Carney was equal to all to keep the score at 1-0.

The game was finally put to bed on 86 minutes when Lindsay played a succulent through ball, right onto the toe of Jenkins who strode into the area before tucking the ball beyond Carney in goal.