Adrian Harper grabbed what turned out to be the match winner seven minutes before half-time when he collected the ball from Gerard McMahon to calmly slot it beyond Robert Robinson.

Indeed, the Lurgan Blues might have already been in front by that stage had David Morris finished better with only the 'keeper to beat on 23 minutes.

Newry were the better of the sides after the break but despite their dominance the best they could create was a Richard Clarke volley straight at Tuda Murphy.

Later in the game Trevor Molloy was denied by Robinson as he looked to double Glenavon's lead whilst, at the other end, Murphy did well to block a Paul Prigent effort as the visitors pressed for the equaliser.