Glenavon play host to Linfield tomorrow in the 17th league game of the season aiming for a third consecutive win while David Healey is hoping to avoid a third consecutive league defeat. A win for Glenavon would close the gap between the sides to just two points.

Linfield Programme

The previous game between the sides was an all-action affair with Glenavon coming back from 3-1 down to make it 3-3 after taking an early lead only to lose 4-3 in the final moments with ex-Glenavon defender Mark Haughey heading in the winner. When the score was 3-3 Eoin Bradley had a great chance to put the Lurgan Blues in front but his chip over Ross Glendinning drifted just off target. The striker showed his worth in last week’s win at Stangmore Park when he nodded in a stoppage time winner.

Kyle Neill, who scored the opening goal in that Windsor Park thriller, is suspended having picked up his 5th caution so Gary Hamilton will be forced to change the defensive line-up. “We’ve been able to keep a settled defence for a number of weeks and Kyle has been in good form but suspensions happen and it gives someone else the chance to come in and show what they can do,” Gary said.

Kyle Buckley would have been a natural replacement at left back but he is still out with a foot injury.

“Our defence has been fairly sound and we haven’t conceded more than one goal since the last game against Linfield. We always look like scoring so that will always give us a chance of getting the result. Linfield is always a tough game and with their resources they go into most games as favourites but our players will take a lot of confidence and belief into the game from our own performances in most games this season.

“The most pleasing thing for me as a manager, and I think this is true for the supporters and club officials, is that we go into every game now with a real chance of winning. With this group of players myself and the backroom staff believe, if the lads play to their abilities, they are capable of beating any team in the league. I’m never over confident but I go into each game with a lot of optimism and a great belief in the lads.”

Match Officials

Our Sponsors

Many thanks to our sponsors today. The match sponsor is Tritex Core Company, based in Trim, Co. Meath, the ball is sponsored by Bluebell Cottage, a new home furnishing and giftware shop in Moira owned by Jane Houston who is a daughter of lifelong Glenavon supporter Jim Logan and the Glenavon ‘Man of the Match’ is sponsored by Charlie Cardwell.

Bucket Collection

Following the serious injury James Singleton sustained playing for the NI Under 21s there will be a bucket collection for him at the game. Supporters are asked to give generously.

Mega Draw

The November “Mega Draw” will take place in the Bedeck Suite after the game at around 5.15pm.

Mark of Respect

There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off tomorrow as a mark of respect for former Linfield club secretary Brian Dempster who passed away on Monday this week. Brian was also a well-known BBC Radio Ulster sports journalist.