Atiba Charles (right) had the better of his duel with Glenn Ferguson

Glenavon had lost their five previous games while Linfield had won all theirs but the home side's Ciaran Quinn had the best first half opportunity.

Tim Mouncey stabbed the Blues ahead in the 56th minute after Ferguson had outjumped defender Atiba Charles.

However, the superb Charles levelled in the 81st minute and Paul Walsh's 86th minute free-kick sealed Glenavon's win.

Trinidad international Charles produced his fine display for the Lurgan Blues, despite picking up an injury early on which appeared to restrict his mobility.

Glenn Ferguson and Peter Thompson missed early half-chances for the visitors but Charles quickly began to organise the Glenavon defence into a more solid unit.

Nathan McConnell then had a couple of opportunities for Glenavon with one effort straight at Manus and the former Cliftonville man seeing the second deflected just wide.

On the stroke of half-time, Quinn was presented with a great chance for Glenavon but he fired weakly at Manus.

Charles had dominated Glenn Ferguson up to the 56th minute when the former Northern Ireland international beat the Trinidad star in the air to nod down to Mouncey who stabbed the ball home.

The defender levelled for Glenavon nine minutes from time when he stooped to head home Paul McKnight's cross.

Glenavon, after their nightmare CIS Cup run, would probably have settled for a draw at that stage but Paul Walsh superb 86th minute free-kick ensured Linfield's first defeat of the season.

Despite the defeat, Linfield still topped their group and will meet Dungannon in the quarter-finals.