GLENAVON V PORTADOWN, A LOOK AHEAD 49566e

On Boxing Day Glenavon faces Portadown at Mourneview Park in its 22nd Sports Direct Premiership fixture. 34255z

Portadown has invested significantly in its first team squad over the past six months. The new arrivals include Aaron Carey (ex-Glentoran), Steven McCullough (ex-Ballymena United) and Shay McCartan (ex-Glentoran). In the last few days. it has also signed James Teelan (ex-Crusaders) and Rabby Tabu Minzamba (ex-Shelbourne).

Since suffering successive 2-1 defeats against Glenavon at Mourneview Park in the Sports Direct Premiership and Mid-Ulster Cup in early October, Niall Currie’s side has achieved impressive wins against Larne (2-1), Glentoran (3-0), Cliftonville (2-0) and Crusaders (1-0). It is currently placed second in the Premiership table.

Paddy McLaughlin is very aware of the threat posed by the Ports. “Niall’s team is challenging at the top of the table for a reason,” he said. “Portadown have good players, and the manager is getting he best out of them. They have done exceptionally well. We will need to be on top form to win the game.”

McLaughlin was delighted with his side’s display against Linfield last Saturday. “We ed the ball well, moved it quickly and played with intensity,” he reflected. “Unfortunately, we didn’t score a goal, but we completely dominated the second half and would have thoroughly deserved a point if we had got it. The players should take a lot of confidence and belief from their performance.”

Paddy hopes that with a sell-out crowd, his players can rise to the occasion. “It is a big match. The lads are fully aware of its importance,” he said. “But we have prepared well. There is no reason why we can’t continue the good form we have shown in all four league matches since I arrived.”

Glenavon has some injury doubts. Gareth Deane (calf), Rhys Marshall (ankle), Calum Birney (groin) and Mark Haughey (hamstring) are unlikely to play. “None of the four lads should be out long term, but Thursday might come too quickly for them,” he said. “Rhys has had an injection to help an injury he has been carrying since the start of the season. We need to manage that situation carefully.”

The match against Portadown is ed by Glenavon’s main corporate sponsor, Avondale Foods (Craigavon) Limited.

The matchball sponsor is Ransconi Dog Food. Located at Annaboe Road, Portadown, Ransconi sells a wide variety of canine foods.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is Diamond Elite Chauffeur Services.Diamond Elite offers a wide range of luxury and bespoke chauffeur services.

of the Triangle Glenavon ers’ Club will hold a bucket collection in aid of the Mandeville Unit, Craigavon Area Hospital. Please give generously.

Turnstiles will open at 12-45 pm. The car park will close at 2-15 pm. The match is all-ticket. All tickets have been sold. Full details of arrangements for ission appear elsewhere on this website.