Milanda 2 Glenavon Thistle 5 (HT (1-3)

It was a patched up and depleted Milanda squad that completed it's final game in the group stages. At least 4 of the team wouldn't have played any other Saturday but such was the injury situation that if you could walk you played. Given the circumstances Milanda put in a great shift against all the odds.

Unfortunately this game was just about over before it started. With most of Milanda's backline struggling for fitness it was no surprise when Glenavon took advantage and stormed into a 3 goal lead in the first 15 mins. Milanda could have been forgiven for downing tools and deciding this wasn't going to be their day but instead took control of the game and played some great football and were far and away the better team in the reaminder of the 1st half.

The damage had been done though. The first came from slack marking in the box that allowed the Glenavon forward to turn and find room to get a shot away that Walker had no chance with. The 2nd was unfortunate for Walker when he shouted on his defence to leave a hopeful shot/pass but misjudged the flight and it found its way into the net. The 3rd followed soon after when a break pulled the Milanda defence out of position and the Glenavon winger found space on the right and placed the ball into the left hand corner of the net.

Pretty much game set and match at that point as Milanda had only threatened on odd occasions but they rolled the sleeves up and got stuck in and pinned Glenavon back for what was left of the half. Murray could have thrown Milanda a lifeline when through on the keeper but the keeper just got a hand to the ball as Murray tried to go round him. Then Johnstone got a foot a low cross and saw it come of the bar and Williamson watched the keeper make another save as he fired in the rebound.

Milanda just couldn't take advantage of some great corners by both Reid and Murray as they looked for a way back into the game. With a few mins left of the half Milanda did finally get some reward for their effort. A free kick just inside the Glenavon half was taken by Fawns and his delivery found the head of Williamson 12 yards out and his glancing header found the net off the post. It was no more than Milanda deserved. The Glenavon keeper still had time to pull off another couple of saves before half time as Milanda looked for more goals.

The second half was only a few mins old when Milanda were right back in the game. Scott advanced down the left and his pass inside found Evans in the clear. The keeper came out and bloked his first shot but Evans was first to the rebound and poked the ball home from 4 yards.

Milanda's hopes of a great comeback were shortlived though. A shy on the edge of the box caught Milanda failing to mark tightly enough and a toe poke from the Glenavon captain was enough to give them a 4-2 lead. This took the wind out of Milanda's sails and it was no surprise when a break through the middle saw goal number 5 and it was game over.

Worse was to come for Milanda when Williamson when down injured and had to go off with knee ligament damage and Milanda had to finish the game with 10 men. Glenavon seemed to sense their job was done and despite a few flurries and near misses didn't add to their lead.

The final whistle signaled the end of an entertaining game with Glenavon winning the group and Milanda filling up the runner up spot.

MOM - Considering how many players were playing with injuries a lot of effort went into the game. Reid and Murray provided some dangerous crosses at corners, Coyle did his best in the middle to cover for the ageing Williamson and Fawns had a solid game but this week's MOTM is Andy Scott just so he can tell his kids etc and doesn't have to wait until the last game of the season.