GLENAVON V GLENTORAN, A LOOK AHEAD 6p1if

On Saturday 9th November 2024 Glenavon returns to Sports Direct Premiership action against Glentoran at Mourneview Park. 695z2r

Last Saturday the Lurgan men lost 3-0 at Loughgall and on Tuesday night exited the BetMcLean Cup to Armagh City on penalties after a scoreless draw. Stephen McDonnell accepted that it has been a difficult week.

“Obviously we hoped for better results but what has happened has happened, and we can’t turn the clock back,” he said. “It is important that we stay positive and respond in the right way.”

McDonnell felt that his team did not get the rub of the green at Holm Park. “The players performed extremely well in every aspect except putting the ball in the net,” he added. “We created many, many clear cut opportunities and either finished badly or the Armagh goalkeeper made an excellent save. If we had taken even a small percentage of our chances we would have won comfortably.”

Stephen was not happy with the match officials’ display. “In the first half we had a goal disallowed which was not offside and there were two incidents during extra time when decisions went against us.” However, he did not speak to the referee after the game. “I didn’t see the point,” he added. “It would not have changed the result. In these situations, I prefer to let the officials reflect on their own performances.”

McDonnell did not need to be reminded that Glenavon has scored just one goal in its last five games. “It has been a major problem for us,” he continued. “There is no getting away from that. But on Thursday we had a good recovery session, a debrief on where we are at and some reflection. We also did some fine tuning. Putting the ball in the net is just one aspect of the game. It is a very important aspect but, like any other, it can be worked on. I trust my players and am confident that things will improve.”

When Glenavon played Glentoran at the Oval in September, the game finished scoreless. However, the visitors missed three gilt-edged scoring opportunities in the closing minutes. “Poor finishing was not the issue that afternoon,” said Stephen. “It was the Glentoran goalkeeper who stopped us winning the match. We played extremely well. If we perform to that level on Saturday, I would be very optimistic about our prospects of winning the game.”

Stephen revealed that David Toure suffered ankle ligament damage against Armagh and is likely to be out for a minimum of two to four weeks. “We are still making an assessment,” he added. “Hopefully, he will be back sooner rather than later.” Apart from that Glenavon has a fully fit squad. “Paul McGovern is available again,” the Dundalk man continued. “Mark Haughey trained well this week and Calum Birney played virtually a full 90 minutes for the Reserves. Isaac Baird continues his recovery.”

The match against Glentoran is sponsored by Lockton Insurance Ltd.

The ball sponsor is Mr Peter Haire.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is Mr. Barry Craig and Ms. Ethna Ferran.

Many thanks to all our sponsors.

On Saturday, at 2 pm, there will be a short act of remembrance at the Memorial to Glenavon’s War Dead. Everyone is invited.

Glenavon v Glentoran, Last Season
Date	Result
05/08/23	Glenavon 0 Glentoran 1
21/10/23	Glentoran 3 Glenavon 1
05/03/24	Glenavon 0 Glentoran 0

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free ission to all games)

• Monday 11th November 2024 – Carrick Rangers Reserves v Glenavon Reserves, Taylor’s Avenue, 1945k.o.
• Monday 13th November 2024 – Portadown Reserves v Glenavon Reserves, Shamrock Park, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 8th November 2024 – Glenavon U-18s v Newry City U-18s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2000 k.o.
• Saturday 9th November 2024 – Glenavon U-16s v Ballinamallard United U-16s, St. Patrick’s 3G, Banbridge, 1115 k.o.