Glenavon's long fight for Premiership survival came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday, as a 1-0 defeat to Crusaders sealed their relegation to the Championship. The decisive goal from Fraser Bryden in the second half confirmed the Lurgan Blues' fate in a tense showdown at Mourneview Park.

Manager Michael O'Connor, who took charge in October after the club's disastrous start of 11 consecutive losses, was left devastated. "I'm gutted - gutted for the fans," said the former Northern Ireland midfielder. "Since the day I came in they've backed us. They kept coming in numbers even when we were losing. They're the ones I feel for the most."

Reflecting on the crucial match, O'Connor pointed to a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. "We gave it a go... but today we just didn't have that clinical edge in the box," he admitted, ruing a soft defensive lapse that allowed the winning goal. "We didn't stop a cross and we didn't track the runner."

Despite the bitter disappointment, O'Connor's focus is already on the rebuild. Acknowledging the need for reflection, he vowed, "There will be changes next year to try to get this club back to where it should be - in the Premiership." For Glenavon, the hard work to reclaim their top-flight status begins now.