GLENAVON V CLIFTONVILLE, A LOOK AHEAD 5r5f5x

On Saturday 17th August 2024 Glenavon faces Cliftonville at Mourneview Park. It is the Lurgan Blues’ first competitive home fixture of the new season. 4l2rx

Cliftonville started the Sports Direct Premiership programme last weekend with a narrow 1-0 victory against Portadown. It has lost a number of key players including. Sam Ashford (Wealdstone), Ronan Hale (Ross County), Jamie McDonagh (Portadown), Chris Curran (retired), Paddy Burns (unattached) and Ben Wilson (Airdrieonians). Nevertheless, it has signed Rory Donnelly (ex-Glentoran), Shaun Leppard (ex-Institute), Michael Newberry (ex-Linfield) and Destiny Ojo (ex-Portsmouth). Jim Magilton hopes to further strengthen his squad before the Transfer Window closes.

Last Saturday Glenavon suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Carrick Rangers at Taylor’s Avenue. Manager Stephen McDonnell accepts that his men underperformed. “We were poor,” he itted. “We did not defend well enough and lacked creativity. Although we had worked hard on our defensive side, we gave up too many easy chances. We didn’t hurt them enough when we had possession.”

McDonnell took some encouragement from his team’s second half display. “We had a lot of possession and made a few opportunities. Jamie Doran got in the way of a cross which should have been converted and Len O’Sullivan hit the post. Immediately afterwards we had three gilt-edged chances. But, overall, we did not do well enough in both penalty areas. Ultimately, that cost us.”

Stephen expects Cliftonville to be a formidable opponent. “They are the Irish Cup winners and again European qualifiers. Despite all the players they have lost, they remain a quality side. I watched their match against Portadown last Sunday. They gave up very few chances and could have scored four or five goals.”

Nonetheless, the Dundalk man thinks that Glenavon can cause an upset. “We believe that we are capable of winning the game, but we will need to be at our very best to do it,” he added.

Glenavon’s Jack Malone is available again after suspension. Chris Atherton has returned from international duty. However, there are doubts about several players. “Barney McKeown may not quite be ready to play yet. Mark Haughey and Harry Lynch picked up what we hope are minor knocks at training on Thursday,” added McDonnell. “David McDaid has been sick, so we are not sure about his availability either. We will probably have to make some late decisions.”

Chairman Glenn Emerson has again appealed to Glenavon fans to turn up in numbers and get behind the players:

“Tomorrow is our first home fixture of the new campaign. A good result is vitally important as we try to kickstart our season. We want to make Mourneview Park as intimidating as possible. To do that we need your help. Come to the match, bring others and make plenty of noise.

Please give Stephen and the players your full .

Enjoy the game.

Glenn.”

The match is sponsored by Glenavon President Gordon Irwin.

The match ball sponsor is Glenavon Chairman Glenn Emerson.

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

Match Day Charity is NIPANC Pancreatic Cancer.

Glenavon v Cliftonville, Last Season
Date                 Result

12/08/23        Cliftonville 3 Glenavon 0

13/10/23        Glenavon 0 Cliftonville 1

17/02/24        Cliftonville 4 Glenavon 2

Other Glenavon teams in action this weekend:
(Free ission)
Monday 19th August 2024 – Cliftonville Olympic v Glenavon Reserves, Solitude, 1945 k.o.