GLENAVON V COLERAINE, A LOOK AHEAD 6v3y67

On Saturday 8th March 2025 Glenavon faces Coleraine at Mourneview Park in the Sports Direct Premiership. 326h45

Unfortunately, after Tuesday night’s impressive 2-0 victory against Loughgall, the Lurgan men have been plunged into an injury crisis. Sean Carlin did not start the game at Lakeview Park because he suffered a tight quod beforehand. Michael O’Connor came off with a similar complaint. Both are doubtful. Davy McDaid, suspended on Tuesday, picked up a knock on Thursday night. Chris Atherton has been unable to train due to an ankle problem and Peter Campbell is battling flu. Neither Isaac Baird nor Rhys Marshall have been fit enough to train since sustaining injuries against Larne. Calum Birney and Mark Haughey remain long term absentees.

“It is very unfortunate, but injuries are part and parcel of the game,” said Paddy McLaughlin. “Our medical team was very busy on Thursday night and will be monitoring all the walking wounded between now and Saturday. We will assess the lads who are doubtful before the game and make some decisions. It is frustrating but we just have to get on with it.”

The Glenavon boss was particularly annoyed about the injury sustained against Loughgall by teenage starlet Chris Atherton. “Young Chris was on the wrong end of three or four very robust challenges,” he continued. “The fact that no one was booked surprised me. I realise that no player deserves preferential treatment, but I would appeal to referees to provide him with more protection.”

McLaughlin was glowing in his commendation of the 16-year old’s display. “He was outstanding. Loughgall could not contain him. He is one of the most talented young Irish players to emerge in the last decade. We should be talking about what he might do against Coleraine on Saturday rather than the fact that he left Lakeview Park in a protective boot. Spectators want to see lads like Chris Atherton play. They should not be denied that opportunity.”

Nevertheless, Paddy was delighted with Glenavon’s performance at Loughgall. “I was pleased with lots of aspects of it,” he opined. “We defended very well. Not just for the fact that we kept a clean sheet but also because we protected our goalkeeper. They hardly had a scoring chance. We controlled the midfield throughout. Niall [Quinn] moved forward, and Matthew Snoddy came back into the side. They were excellent. But then we shouldn’t be surprised. They have both been top players in this league for a long time and have the medals to prove it. Michael O’Connor led the line superbly. Jack Malone got on the scoresheet again and Peter Campbell provided the cross for his goal. Our full backs played with a lot of energy. There wasn’t a bad performance.”

As encouraged as he was by the win against the Villagers, McLaughlin is fully aware of the quality Coleraine has at its disposal. “They are a top, top side,” he added. “They have good players everywhere you look. I know Ronan Doherty particularly well because I worked with him at Institute and Coleraine. I also know Jamie Glackin both on and off the pitch. Add to that names like Levi Ives, Jamie McGonigle, etc. etc. We will have to be at our very best if we are to get a result.”

The match sponsor is Mr. Tim Dillon.

The ball sponsor is Digital Marketing Specialist, Kuba Creative Web Design, 43 Thornheights, Banbridge.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsors are committed ers Mr. Barry Craig and Ms. Ethna Ferran.

Many thanks to all our sponsors.

There will be a bucket collection in aid of Monster 25, PIPS Belfast and the MS Society. Please give generously.

In August 2024 Glenavon defeated Coleraine 2-0 at the Showgrounds. In November 2024 the clubs drew 3-3 at Mourneview Park.

 

Glenavon v Coleraine, Last Season
Date Result
07/10/23 Coleraine 4 Glenavon 1
02/12/23 Glenavon 1 Coleraine 1
05/12/23 Coleraine 2 Glenavon 3
27/01/24 Coleraine 1 Glenavon 0

 

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free ission to all games)

  • Monday 10th March 2025 – Cliftonville Olympic v Glenavon Reserves, Solitude, 2000 k.o.
  • Friday 7th March 2025 – Glenavon U-18s v Linfield U-18s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2000 k.o.
  • Saturday 8th March 2025 – Linfield U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, Midgley Park, Belfast, 1100 k.o.
  • Saturday 8th March 2025 – Coleraine U-15s v Glenavon U-15s, Rugby Avenue, 1215 k.o.