Purcell moves into lead on home territory

LEAD: Home favourite Conor Purcell posted a four under par round of 67 to take a share of the lead with Brandon Robinson Thompson. Pic: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Conor Purcell and Brandon Robinson Thompson share a two-stroke lead heading into the weekend of the Irish Challenge at Headfort Golf Club.

Home favourite Purcell posted a four under par round of 67 to take the clubhouse lead on nine under par, before Englishman Robinson Thompson carded a sensational seven under par round of 64 to join him at the top of the leaderboard.