Jack Malone had waited a long time to celebrate a win at Mourneview Park. He’d waited even longer to celebrate a goal.
After his strike sparked a Glenavon comeback that culminated in a 2-1 win over derby rivals Portadown, the 24-year-old midfielder revealed that a subtle change of position under manager Stephen McDonnell is the reason why the goals have dried up for him.
Not that Malone is complaining. Happy to operate wherever he’s asked, it is his all-round contribution rather than his goal tally that makes the former Derry City man a key player for the Lurgan Blues.
Portadown’s Lewis MacKinnon challenges David McDaid
His strike 58 minutes into an exciting derby battle came just at the right time for Glenavon. They were beginning to get on top after being rocked by Ahu Obhakan’s opener for Portadown nine minutes before half-time and really needed to have something to show for that.
When Malone turned Keith Ward’s pass into the bottom corner of the net, Glenavon’s belief rose even higher and that allowed them to push on with confidence to grab an injury-time winner through David McDaid for their first home victory of the season.
“I always fancy my chances in and around there,” said Malone, whose last League goal came two days before Christmas.
“I had one a few minutes before and it was probably an easier chance. I thought I would go across the goalkeeper, that’s always harder for him and I think he was moving to his left as well.
“Luckily I saw it hit the net and it was great to go on and get the winner.
Glenavon’s Michael O’Connor battles with Lee Chapman
“I was happy, I was overdue a goal, It’s been quite a while because I have been playing a bit deeper. I always back myself to shoot. That’s probably my first two shots this season because I have been playing very deep, but wherever I am asked to play I am happy.
“Before the manager came in, I was playing more advanced, getting box-to-box and scored quite a few goals.
“Whatever he has seen in me, he has played me a bit deeper.
“I will play anywhere and try to adapt my game so I am in the team every week.”
McDaid’s strike was also his first at Mourneview Park since signing for Glenavon in the summer, meaning the timing was perfect for both scorers.
“The longer a game goes on and you haven’t scored, it can get frustrating,” said Malone.
Jack Malone picks his spot to equalise for Glenavon
“When it gets to 1-1, it gives you a bit of confidence. We could have held out for a draw because when you are 1-0 down sometimes you are happy to take a point, but credit to Davy McDaid, he does what he does and he’s been a class act since he came here.”
After going six games without defeat, Portadown have now lost three in-a-row and bowed out of the BetMcLean Cup. Ten league games into the campaign, manager Niall Currie remains encouraged by what he has seen from a largely rebuilt squad.
“That’s a sickener. You’ve got to find a way to come away with something in situations like that, but we’re not too far away,” said Currie.
“We know we are more than competitive with anything in the bottom six now, we’ve had a look at everybody.
“We’ve got to learn from that and learn very quickly.”
Glenavon players and staff alike enjoy the moment after David McDaid’s late winner
Glenavon: Deane, Lynch (Ward 46), Carroll, McKeown, O’Sullivan, Marshall, Snoddy (Atherton 70), Malone (Doran 88), Quinn, Campbell (O’Connor 78), McDaid. Unused subs: Byrne, Toure, McGovern.Portadown: McCarey, Chapman, MacKinnon, Altintop, McCullough, L Wilson, Henderson, Fyfe, McCartan, Mayse (McElroy 69), Obhakhan. Unused subs: Ray, Redman, D Wilson, McDonagh.
Referee: Steven Gregg (Ballyclare)
Man of the match: Jack Malone
Match rating: 7/10