JULY 2006

22nd JULY: BLUES BEAT CORNER

Glenavon came from behind to beat Chimney Corner 1-2 in Saturday's first pre-season friendly. The hosts, who had drawn 1-1 with Cliftonville in midweek, took the lead with their only meaningful attack of the first half when they took a short free kick on the right touchline and a cross picked out an unmarked Mark Gamble who fired past Kyle Nelson in the Glenavon goal. Glenavon's back line bore an unfamiliar look with Conor Walsh and Conor McAnallen in the centre half roles and Barry Reid at last playing in his best position at right back. Ross Black was the other full back.

Striker Paul McCrink picked up a nasty cut to his head which required staples, and he was replaced after 19 minutes by Ciaran Quinn, on trial from UCD. Colin Malone, speaking after the match was pleased with his contribution "He showed some good touches and lead the line well."

Paul McKnight's 33rd minute overhead kick from Quinn's knock down just cleared the bar and Kieran O'Connor forced a decent save with a diving header from Ross Black's pinpoint diagonal pass.

Gerard McMahon equalised with a superbly taken 40th minute goal when he dinked McKnight's through ball over the centre half and volleyed it over the keeper's head.

In first-half stoppage time David Hawthorne should have scored when, after great work by O'Connor in the box, he blasted his shot over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Ross Black

Both sides made a number of changes at half time with Paul Rice, Craig McMillen, Paul Walsh, Ryan Henderson and Martin Havern replacing Kyle Nelson, Ross Black, Paul McKnight, Gerard McMahon and David Hawthorne.

Havern almost had an immediate impact within seconds of the restart and he did score what proved to be the winner when he tapped in after Walsh's surging run on the left took him clear of the defence and his left foot shot across the keeper was parried into Havern's path. Quinn went close with a shot after he wove his way through to the edge of the box and Henderson should have scored in the final minute but he lifted his shot over the bar with just the keeper to beat after Havern's pass put him clear.

Marty Havern brought youthful energy to the game

"It was a good work out", said Colin Malone after the match. "The lads have been training hard this week and the conditions have been tough but they've all got at least 45 minutes under their belt, and all in all, I was very pleased with the showing today.

"I'm still working hard on the striker and centre-half positions. I've been having talks with a number of players and I'll be having them up next week to have a look at them."

Glenavon line-up: Nelson, Reid, R Black, McAlorum, Walsh, O'Connor, McMahon, Hawthorne, McCrink, McAnallen, McKnight

AROUND THE PARK Photos by Drew McWilliams
Bertie Porter, Glenavon's Head groundsman warns the Club photographer to 'keep off the grass!'	The work never stops at Mourneview Park as the ground staff prepare the pitch for next season.
	Newly-appointed Glenavon Manager Colin Malone and his assistant Neil Carson check out the view from the Geddis Stand

CAPTAIN BLACK

Colin Malone has appointed Aaron Black as Club Captain for next season. "Aaron is a strong, skilful centre half who I'm sure will be an excellent skipper. He was absolutely delighted when I asked him to be Club Captain", Malone told glenavonfc.com on Monday night.

Black replaces transfer-listed Davy McAlinden who skippered the side last season.

CIS CUP DRAW

Glenavon have been drawn in Group C of the CIS Cup which kicks off in August. The draw, which was seeded, pits Linfield, Lisburn Distillery, Larne and Glenavon in the group stage. Glenavon's campaign kicks off on Saturday 12th August with a game away to Distillery which could have seen the Lurgan Blues' former striker Marty Verner in action against his old club except that he will be serving the first of a two match suspension.

Check the Fixtures page for the full list of games.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

Stephen McAlorum, Andrew Uprichard and Craig McMillen have re-signed for 2006/07.

HAWTHORNE SIGNED

Glenavon today completed the registration of David Hawthorne from Armagh City after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the Lurgan-based player. The speedy, skilful midfielder with a powerful shot was signed by City from his home town club, Hill Street, scoring five goals last season.

BIG DAVY LISTED

Glenavon central defender Davy McAlinden has been put on the transfer list by new manager Colin Malone. The 22 year old, who captained the Lurgan Blues last season, was given the news when he met with Malone on Tuesday night.

COL'S ON THE BALL

Marty Hunter signs for Glenavon

Colin Malone tonight completed the signing of Ards midfielder Marty Hunter. The 25 year old former Glentoran player usually fulfils a holding role in midfield but has also featured at centre half for Ards.

Verner released

Glenavon manager Colin Malone met today with Marty Verner and completed the want-away striker's release. Meanwhile Lisburn Distillery have given Glenavon first refusal on Whites' striker Darren Armour. Malone will be speaking to him to discuss terms when the striker returns from holiday.

Colin is still in negotiations with other Clubs regarding further signings and is also talking with existing squad players who had not yet been spoken to by Jimmy Brown regarding their contracts with Glenavon FC.

New manager Colin Malone has moved swiftly to re-sign Gerard McMahon, Barry Reid and Paul McKnight. The news will delight Glenavon fans who had feared that some of their most respected and revered players may have been lost.

AND THE WINNER IS

Throughout the season Glenavon fans on this website have been submitting player ratings after each match and it's now time to announce the winner of the much coveted glenavonfc.com Player of the Season award for 2005-2006. The winner had to have started at least ten games and be the player with the highest average vote over the season. And the winner is ...

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