Joe Thomson had a Glentoran debut to remember as he struck twice to earn the visitors a 2-1 win over Loughgall.

Nathaniel Ferris put the bottom side in front in the first half but Thomson levelled with a superb strike before slotting home a penalty with two minutes left.

It takes the Glens – back in action after their midweek Co Antrim Shield success – up to second spot in the standings.

Coleraine striker Matthew Shevlin equalised with the last kick of the game to secure a 1-1 draw with Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.

Premiership champions Larne defeated Ballymena United 2-1 at Inver Park with Andy Ryan and Dylan Sloan on target for the hosts.

Glenavon clinched a last-gasp 2-1 win against Carrick Rangers as Paul McGovern won it in added time.

Goals from Harry Franklin, Jordan Forysthe and Harry Jewitt-White helped Crusaders to a 3-2 victory over Portadown at Seaview.

Top man Thomson

Thomson, who joined the Glens from Larne earlier this week, completed a remarkable turnaround at Lakeview Park, with his late penalty sealing a precious 2-1 victory for Glentoran after the midfielder illuminated the afternoon with a spectacular equaliser.

The drama was in stark contrast to a first half where bottom-placed Loughgall had stunned the title-chasing Glens. Nathaniel Ferris pounced in the 25th minute, showcasing his predatory instincts by converting Ben Murdock’s precise low cross after Alberto Balde’s clever play.

Just when the hosts appeared to be closing in on a memorable victory, Thomson introduced himself to the east Belfast faithful in spectacular fashion. The midfielder unleashed an unstoppable strike from distance that flew into the bottom corner with 13 minutes remaining before keeping his cool from the penalty spot after Ben Murdock was adjudged to have handled the ball.

The Villagers were left to rue missed opportunities throughout, none more so than when Robbie Norton saw his effort dramatically cleared off the line by Frankie Hvid before Daniel Gyollai’s spectacular double save proved crucial in setting up Thomson’s heroics.

The Mid-Ulster side’s focus now turn their attention to Dollingstown in the Irish Cup while the Glens prepare for a cup showdown with rivals Linfield.

More to follow….

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