GLENAVON V LARNE, A LOOK AHEAD m4x6k

On Saturday 22nd March 2025 Glenavon faces Larne at Mourneview Park. It is the clubs’ final pre-split Sports Direct Premiership fixture. 3v6bc

Paddy McLaughlin is under no illusions about the size of the challenge presented by the two-time Premiership champions. “They have quality all through their squad,” he said. “They are probably disappointed at their failure to make a sustained bid for the title. But that doesn’t change the fact that they have good players. Qualification for Europe is their target now and they are in a strong position to finish second. They will be aiming to take all three points. We will need to be at our very best to beat them.”

Nonetheless McLaughlin reckons that Glenavon is capable of causing Gary Haveron’s side problems. “We did well against them at Inver Park last month,” he added. “During the second half, apart from scoring, we hit the woodwork and created several decent opportunities. That should give our lads confidence. But to be fair, we have been competitive in every match since Colin [Coates], Marty [McCann] and I arrived.”

Paddy was again encouraged by his side’s performance against the then champion elect, Linfield, at the National Stadium. “Until they scored the first goal, we were very good,” he continued. “Out of possession we were in control. They caused us very few problems. In possession we ed the ball well, created several promising situations and tested their keeper a number of times. Although we lost 2-0, we took a lot of positives.”

McLaughlin itted that, on the day, individual errors proved costly. “Players make mistakes all over the pitch but most of the time those errors are not punished,” he said. “Unfortunately, last Saturday, we paid a high price. We work hard in training to iron out these issues and minimise the number of mistakes. But I don’t believe in pointing fingers. I have full confidence in the players. I want them to feel relaxed and to be able to make their own decisions. I also want them to have full confidence in their ability.”

Paddy revealed that teenagers Mattie Allen, Luke McGerrigan and Calum Hamilton have begun to train regularly with the first team squad. “We have an exceptional Academy,” he said. “The coaches do a fantastic job. These three lads are the latest to come off the conveyor belt. They have all acquitted themselves well. I am totally committed to developing young players so, if the opportunity presents itself, I will include them in matchday squads and give them opportunities to play.”

Glenavon welcomes Michael O’Connor back for Larne’s visit. McLaughlin revealed that both Mark Haughey and Calum Birney have been able to resume some training. Unfortunately, Niall Quinn remains sidelined with a hamstring pull and, of course, Isaac Baird is probably out for the rest of the season.

“We should have a reasonably strong squad,” the Blues’ boss said. “The fact that we had no midweek game has helped, and it is a boost to see Mark and Calum making progress. But we need to wrap Niall in cotton wool. He is an important player. We won’t be taking any chances.”

The fixture against Larne is sponsored by Glenavon chairman Glenn Emerson.

The match ball sponsor is lifelong er, Gordon Gough.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is young fan Luke Foster.

There will be a bucket collection for Action Medical Research for Children. Please give generously.

In October 2024 Glenavon drew 0-0 with Larne at Mourneview Park. In February 2025 the clubs drew 1-1 at Inver Park.

Glenavon v Larne, Last Season
Date	Result
30/09/23	Glenavon 0 Larne 4
08/12/23	Larne 4 Glenavon 1
16/03/24	Larne 6 Glenavon 1

Finally, congratulations to Glenavon’s U-18s which defeated Portadown U-18s 4-1 at the Kernan Playing Fields last Saturday to qualify for the Mid-Ulster Youth Cup Final.

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free ission to all games)

• Monday 24^th March 2025 – Glenavon Reserves v Glentoran Seconds, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 21^st March 2025 – Glenavon U-18s v Ballinamallard United U-18s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2000 k.o.