GLENAVON V CARRICK RANGERS, A LOOK AHEAD 6t3x3f

On Saturday 26th October 2024 Glenavon faces Carrick Rangers in its next Sports Direct Premiership fixture. 5cko

Stephen McDonnell reports virtually a fully fit squad. Only long-term absentee Isaac Baird and suspended full back Rhys Marshall are unavailable.

Both Barney McKeown (hamstring) and Davy McDaid (calf) have shaken off the knocks which forced them to miss the trip to Solitude. Calum Birney has come through another Development League fixture, and Mark Haughey has been back on the training pitch. “Calum and Mark are available again for selection,” said Stephen. “However, for obvious reasons, they are unlikely to start on Saturday.”

McDonnell was delighted with this team’s performance against Cliftonville. “We were, again, very well organised defensively, gave up only a handful of chances and were, all over, strong and competitive,” he continued. “We coped without Barney and managed the game well for 23 minutes following Rhys’s sending-off. Opponents are finding us very difficult to play against. That is exactly the way we want it.”

Stephen thought that David Toure and second half substitute Paul McGovern made significant contributions. “D.T. was very unfortunate to lose his place a few weeks ago. It was certainly no reflection on the way that he had been playing. We just opted for a change of system,” he said. “He came back into the team at Solitude and didn’t put a foot wrong. Paul, as I have said consistently, is a very talented young player. We brought him on for the last 30 minutes to stretch their defence and he did exactly that.”

The Dundalk man thought that Glenavon created the best scoring chances. “Jack Malone shot inches past the post at the end of the first half,” he added. “That was, arguably, the best attacking move of the match. Peter [Campbell] hit one which their keeper just about managed to tip over the crossbar and, late on, James [Carroll] had a header kicked off the goal line. Bar one weak header which he dealt with comfortably, I don’t think that Gareth Deane had to make a single save.”

Nevertheless, moving on to this Saturday’s game, Stephen will not underestimate the challenge presented by Carrick Rangers. “They have taken seven points out of the last nine,” he said. “The arrival of Stephen Baxter has given them a bounce. We know how physical they are, and we know about the threats they have up front. Make no mistake, it will be a very tough fixture.”

McDonnell itted that he and his colleagues on the coaching staff face some head-scratching when they sit down to select the eleven starters and seven substitutes. “With injured players back and so many teenagers pushing hard, it is not going to be easy. However, it is the type of problem which any manager would love to have so I am not complaining.”

The match against Carrick Rangers is sponsored by Mbroidery. Mbroidery is Glenn and Karen Emerson’s company. Based at Ardmore, it brands clothing and other goods. Since its establishment in 2016, it has developed an impressive client base including names such as Thompson Aero Seating, CDE, Kingspan and Warmflow.

The match ball sponsor is Dromore er, Ian Malcomson.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is Mr. Jonathan Burns.

Glenavon lost 2-0 against Carrick Rangers at Taylor’s Avenue on the first weekend of the new season.

Glenavon v Carrick Rangers, Last Season
Date Result
16/09/23 Glenavon 2 Carrick Rangers 1
29/10/23 Carrick Rangers 1 Glenavon 3
14/01/24 Carrick Rangers 0 Glenavon 2
28/04/24 Glenavon 1 Carrick Rangers 2

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free ission to all games)

  • Saturday 26th October 2024 – St. Luke’s U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Harry Cavan Youth Cup, Brook Activity Centre 3G, 1330 k.o.
  • Saturday 26th October 2024 – Glenavon U-16s v Linfield U-16s, St. Patrick’s, Banbridge 3G, 1115 k.o.
  • Saturday 26th October 2024 – Dungannon Swifts U-15s v Glenavon U-15s, Stangmore Park, 1000 k.o.