PORTADOWN V GLENAVON, A LOOK AHEAD 4r4q6k
On Saturday 23rd November 2024 Glenavon faces Portadown at Shamrock Park in its next Sports Direct Premiership fixture. f611c
The Lurgan Blues have beaten the Ports twice this season – back-to-back 2-1 home victories in the league and Mid-Ulster Cup in early October.
The match in West Craigavon will be Paddy McLaughlin’s Premiership debut as Glenavon boss. He is looking forward to the challenge.
“It has been a shotgun week,” he said, speaking on Friday morning. “A lot has happened, and we haven’t had much time to prepare. It is a baptism of fire, but coaches and players want to be involved on days like this.”
McLaughlin realises that Portadown will be favourites to build on its excellent start to the season. “Niall’s team have been very good, have achieved some big wins and will be full of confidence,” he said. “They are where they are in the league table on merit. It is a very tough assignment for us, particularly away from home. But we won’t be overawed and will be going there aiming to take all three points.”
The Londonderry man believes that Glenavon has a squad that can perform better than it has done in recent weeks. “They are a talented bunch,” he continued. “Perhaps confidence is a bit fragile. But if we can lift the group’s spirits, we can start to turn the corner.”
Paddy watched Glenavon defeat Coleraine 2-0 at the Showgrounds in August 2024. “The club has had some very good results,” he added. “Victories against Coleraine, Crusaders and Portadown do not suggest a struggling side. If the players can reach the levels that they did when they achieved those wins, they should do very well between now and the end of the season.”
McLaughlin is, nonetheless, aware that Glenavon needs to begin picking up points again soon. “We want to start to climb the table,” he said. “To do that we need to be stronger. That means controlling games, creating opportunities and scoring goals. Hopefully, we can startto do that tomorrow.”
Paddy expects virtually all the first team squad to be available. “There are a few niggles so one or two may not play,” he said. “But nearly everyone trained on Thursday night. There was a lot of enthusiasm. The lads know that this is a big derby match, and they want to be involved.”
Glenavon fans are reminded that the match at Shamrock Park is all-ticket.
Other Glenavon teams in action:
(Free ission to all games)
- Monday 25th November 2024 – Glentoran Seconds v Glenavon Reserves, Ashfield Boys’ School 3G, 1945 k.o.
- Saturday 23rd November 2024 – Glenavon U-18s v Ards U-18s, Harry Cavan Youth Cup, St. Patrick’s, Banbridge, 3G, 1030 k.o.
- Saturday 23rd November 2024 – Glenavon U-15s v Larne U-15s, Lurgan Junior High School, 3G, 0930 k.o.
