GLENAVON V DERRY CITY, A LOOK AHEAD 3x2s34

On Friday 7th February 2025 Glenavon faces Derry City at Mourneview Park in a special challenge match. 5ky3d

Derry is preparing for the start of the new SSE Airtricity Premier Division season. Next Friday night it begins its campaign against champions Shelbourne at Tolka Park, Dublin.

Blues’ boss Paddy McLaughlin is still processing last Saturday’s 3-2 extra-time defeat against Cliftonville in the Clearer Water Irish Cup 6th round. “It was an outstanding performance,” he said. “We scored twice, created lots of chances but unfortunately lost the tie. I am proud of the players’ application and the quality of their football against a really good opponent.”

McLaughlin accepted that Glenavon was, at times, too open at the back. “Our defenders have been excellent since November,” he continued. “We have kept clean sheets against some very good sides. Perhaps in the first half we were a bit disted, but we defended much better after half time. Sometimes, in knock out games, the play gets stretched and it becomes a bit helter-skelter. Cliftonville has some top quality attacking players. They are capable of opening teams up and creating opportunities.”

Paddy was delighted at the number of chances fashioned by Glenavon’s attackers. “We looked dangerous every time we got forward and might have scored a lot more than two goals,” he added. “Maybe in a few situations we might have been more clinical. But there are not many sides who go to Solitude, score two goals and create as many opportunities as we did.”

McLaughlin did not take much consolation from the fact that Glenavon played its part in one of the best cup ties of recent seasons. “We went there to get through to the quarter finals and we didn’t do that, so we were disappointed,” he added. “I know that it was a great match from a spectator’s point of view, but that is not of great interest to us. We would have preferred it to have been a scrappy affair, and we had won 1-0 or 2-1.”

The Blues’ boss had a special word of encouragement for Isaac Baird who replaced Niall Quinn late in the second half. “It was a big step for Isaac, after being out for a year, to come on in such a high-pressure match,” he said. “But he didn’t put a foot wrong. He is an outstanding young player. When he gets fully fit, he will be a very important member of our squad.”

Paddy reports that despite the result in North Belfast, the players have been in good form in training. “The lads are as focused as they have been since we arrived,” he said. “They know that last weekend was just one match and that we still have a lot to play for. Climbing the league table has always been our number one priority. The lads are as determined as ever to keep battling to pick up points and get us completely clear of the bottom two places.”

During the January transfer window Glenavon signed Sean Carlin (ex-Institute) and Tadhg Ryan (ex-Derry City) in permanent deals, recalled Aaron Prendergast from Dundela and brought in Aaron Heaney (Derry City) and Harry Murphy (Glentoran) on loan. James Carroll (Loughgall), Bobby Deane (Limavady United), Cohen Henderson (Oxford Sunnyside) and Keith Ward (Dundalk) left the club. Jamie Doran and James Doona ed Newry City and Armagh City respectively in loan moves.

“I am pleased with our business,” said McLaughlin. “We identified a few areas where we felt that we needed more competition, and we signed players who will strengthen us. There was no need for major surgery. The squad which we inherited had a lot of quality. I appreciate that ers want to see big name arrivals but we have a budget to work within. It is important that we are prudent with the resources we have. I think the lads who have ed us will make an important contribution.”

Looking ahead to the visit of Derry City, Paddy plans to make significant changes to Glenavon’s starting line-up. “We want to manage the players’ workloads and give some of the lads who have not played as much, an opportunity,” he explained. “We are still looking for a good performance. Derry is an excellent side. They will really test us. But that is good. Everyone is looking forward to it.”

The match against Derry City is sponsored by The Cellar Bar, Church Place, Lurgan.

The match ball sponsor is The Spirit of 2014 Glenavon ers’ Club in memory of Mark Farren.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is Live Like Loyalty NI, an employee benefit provider.

Many thanks to all our matchday sponsors.

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free ission to all games)

  • Monday 10th February 2025 – Glenavon Reserves v Dungannon Swifts Reserves, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
  • Saturday 8th February 2025 – Warrenpoint Town U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Mid-Ulster Youth Cup first round, Milltown, 1000 k.o.
  • Saturday 8th February 2025 – Coleraine U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, The Showgrounds, 1100 k.o.