Darren Henderson was relieved to see Hurlford snap a four-game losing skid with an East Ayrshire derby triumph.
A double from Lewis Morrison proved enough for ‘Ford with ex-Ayr United striker Michael Moffat on target for Glenafton in a match which saw both sides finish with 10 men.
Paul Paton saw red for the visitors while the Blair Park outfit’s Ross Love was also dismissed.
Saturday’s result meant Hurlford leapfrogged the Junior Cup semi-finalists in the West of Scotland League Premier Division and moved seven points clear of the relegation zone.
“It was huge for us,” said ‘Ford chief Henderson. “We have been on a run which has been a bit alien to us. I can’t remember the last time we lost four games in a row.
“I thought we were very good in the first half and deserved to be more than 2-1 up at half-time.
“The first goal is massive, especially in this league, and to go and get the second one was excellent but losing the goal right on half-time gives Glenafton a lift.
“In the second half, we sat in and played a wee bit deeper than I thought but fair play to the boys – we stood strong and got the three points.”
There was a lengthy stoppage early on as Glens ace Leon Murphy received treatment for a head injury and he was replaced by Dylan O’Kane.
Morrison opened the scoring for ‘Ford in the 18th minute and only a great save from Glens’ on-loan Kilmarnock keeper Aiden Glavin prevented Michael Mullen making it 2-0.
The home side wouldn’t be denied, however, with Morrison firing in off the post from a Mullen lay-off.
In the fifth minute of first half added time, Glens reduced the deficit when Moffat lashed high into the net.
Scott McLean was a threat after the interval for the visitors. He drilled an effort just wide in the 51st minute then later had a shot parried by keeper Chris Taylor with the loose ball cleared off the line.
Former Partick Thistle and Dundee United ace Paton was sent-off for dissent in the second minute of stoppage time with Love off three minutes later after denying Moffat a clear and obvious scoring opportunity.
From the free-kick, Alex McWaters struck the bar as ‘Ford hung on for a priceless victory.
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