GLENAVON V PORTADOWN, A LOOK AHEAD 49566e

On Tuesday 8th October 2024 Glenavon faces Portadown at Mourneview Park in a Mid-Ulster Cup quarter-final tie. 4z4v2o

The two clubs met last Saturday in the Sports Direct Irish Premiership. Glenavon emerged 2-1 winners with strikes by Jack Malone and David McDaid. Ahu Obhakhan scored the Ports’ goal.

Stephen McDonnell was delighted with his team’s display. “Derby games can be fast and furious, but I felt that we were in control for long periods,” he said. “Our level of composure was of a very high standard. That’s why, in my opinion, we deserved to win.”

Even though his men were behind for over twenty minutes, McDonnell was confident that they had the wherewithal to recover. “Their goal came against the run of play,” he continued. “At half-time we told the lads to keep doing what they were doing. We faced a strong wind during the first half, but we were still largely in control. The players knew in the dressing room that they had done well, and that belief shone through during the second period.”

The Blues’ boss felt that goalscorers Jack Malone and David McDaid were both influential. “Jack was named ‘Player of the Match’ by the sponsors which says a lot,” he added. “I thought that it was a really workmanlike display by him. He is still recovering from the ankle injury he suffered in August. But his industry and quality in possession helped us a lot. Davy McDaid was, I thought, our best player. His all-round performance was of a high, high level. His late winner was the perfect climax. That’s why we signed him. We wanted a striker who would get into dangerous areas and have the composure to put the ball into the net.”

With one eye on Saturday’s clash with the Premiership leader, Ballymena United, Stephen plans to make changes against Portadown. “We will definitely shuffle the pack,” he said. “We will give the lads who were on the bench in the first match some minutes and we will bring in Academy players. We want to get through to the semi-final. However, there is a bigger picture to take of.”

Meanwhile James Doona, who missed the victory against the Ports with a groin injury, is expected to return to training on Thursday night and, all being well, be back in the matchday squad very soon.

The cup tie against Portadown is sponsored by the Glenavon Academy.

The matchball sponsor is Marty.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is The Leather Restoration Company.