GLENTORAN V GLENAVON 2w6m1b A LOOK AHEAD

GLENTORAN V GLENAVON, A LOOK AHEAD 1s375g

On Tuesday 12th March 2025 Glenavon travels to EastBelfast to play Glentoran. 1w3z3x

Unfortunately, Glenavon is again battling availability and injury challenges. Barney McKeown is suspended. Harry Murphy cannot play against his parent club. Chris Atherton is unlikely to be fit. There are also doubts about Sean Carlin, Davy McDaid, Michael O’Connor, Rhys Marshall and Tadhg Ryan (elbow). Isaac Baird, Calum Birney and Mark Haughey are out longer term.

Nonetheless, Paddy McLaughlin is hopeful that his team can produce another creditable performance. “The players have been excellent over the last three months,” he said. “They have performed well in every match. Sometimes they have not been at their very best, but they have always been competitive and made it very difficult for the teams they have played against. There is no reason why we can’t continue that form on Wednesday night.”

McLaughlin was disappointed with the refereeing decision which led to Coleraine’s late winner at Mourneview Park last weekend. “We felt that Paul McGovern was fouled seconds before the free kick was awarded,” he continued. “We also didn’t think that Jack Malone’s challenge on Ronan Doherty was a foul. Credit to Declan McManus for the quality of his finish, but it was another occasion when the referee got it wrong, and we suffered.”

Nevertheless, the Glenavon boss was happy with his players’ efforts. “Coleraine is a quality side,” he continued. “They have strengthened significantly in January. That was plain for everyone to see. But we matched them for the entire 90 minutes and did not deserve to lose.”

McLaughlin expects Glentoran to be another very tough opponent. “Declan [Devine] has done a superb job,” he said. “Since November the Glens have been very consistent in the league. Obviously, they will be disappointed at Sunday’s defeat to Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup Final. That can be draining both physically and mentally. They will be keen to bounce back. They are looking for a European place, so they have a lot to play for. It will be difficult.”

Glenavon drew 0-0 at the Oval in September but lost 3-0 to Glentoran at Mourneview Park in November.