CLIFTONVILLE v GLENAVON, A LOOK AHEAD 5s5d47

KO 2:30pm 525mc

On Saturday 19th October 2024 Glenavon faces Cliftonville at Solitude. It is the Lurgan Blues’ thirteenth Sports Direct Premiership fixture of the season. 2z2a5w

Cliftonville started the league campaign with consecutive wins against Portadown (1-0), Glenavon (2-1) and Dungannon Swifts (1-0). However, since the end of August, Jim Magilton’s side has struggled. Its only positive results are a win against Loughgall (5-1) and draws with Crusaders (1-1) and Linfield (0-0). It has suffered disappointing defeats versus Glentoran (0-1), Ballymena United (2-3), Larne (1-3) and Carrick Rangers (1-2).

Despite the Reds’ dip in form, Stephen McDonnell expects a tough 90 minutes. “Cliftonville have struggled over the next six weeks, but they still have two games in hand. If they win those, they will be second in the table,” he said. “They are a top side. Their squad is littered with good players, and they have excellent coaches. They don’t lose very often at Solitude. It is a difficult fixture. Unless we are at our best, we will struggle.”

The Blues’ manager, having reflected on his team’s narrow 1-0 defeat against Ballymena Unted at Mourneview Park, reckons that bad defending and poor finishing were the deciding factors. “We were caught out at the back for the penalty which led to their goal, and, at the other end, we missed several good scoring chances. Overall, we had more possession than them but, to be fair, did not do a lot with it. It was a disappointing afternoon.”

Influential midfielder Keith Ward missed the match due to sickness and stalwart centre-half Barney McKeown was forced to leave the pitch at half-time with a hamstring problem. “Keith is fine and will be in the squad for the trip to Solitude,” said the Dundalk man. “Unfortunately, Barney is not going to make it. We will re-assess him next week. We are hopeful that he will be available again sooner rather than later.”

David McDaid is out with a calf injury. Mark Haughey is still grappling with a groin complaint. Calum Birney played 45 minutes for Glenavon Reserves on Monday evening. He will continue his rehabilitation in the Premiership Development League. Isaac Baird is making steady progress. He remains on course to resume training in November.

Glenavon v Cliftonville, Last Season
Date Result
12/08/23 Cliftonville 3 Glenavon 0
13/10/23 Glenavon 0 Cliftonville 1
17/02/24 Cliftonville 4 Glenavon 2

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free ission)

  • Monday 21st October 2024 – Portadown Reserves v Glenavon Reserves, Shamrock Park, 1945 k.o.
  • Wednesday 23rd October 2024 – Glenavon Reserves v Coleraine Reserves, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
  • Friday 18th October 2024 – Glenavon U-18s v Dungannon Swifts U-18s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2000 k.o.
  • Saturday 19th October 2024 – Glenavon U-15s v Ballinamallard United U-15s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 1115 k.o.