GLenavon v Cliftonville

***UPDATE – GAME ON

NO inspection required ahead of today’s game.

It’s back to League action on Saturday with the visit of Cliftonville and a chance for Glenavon to close the gap on the third-placed Reds to two points.

Cliftonville won on their last visit to Mourneview, on the opening day, in what was probably the Lurgan Blues worst performance of the season. Since then the sides have drawn 1-1 at Solitude. Glenavon has lost only twice in the last 15 games in all competitions including taking 10 points from the four league games in December. In their last four games the Reds picked up just three points, the last three games ending in draws.

Fabio O’Brien celebrates with Joel Cooper after scoring the equaliser in the game at Solitude in October. Photo by Alan Weir.

Reds boss Gerard Lyttle will be boosted by the signing of striker Darren Murray and the ex-Portadown forward is eligible for tomorrow’s game.

“It’s a big game for both clubs,” Gary Hamilton responded when we asked him how important Saturday’s game is. “They want to win to keep in touch with Crusaders and we want to close the gap on Cliftonville. We need to get on top early on and stamp our authority on the game. They’ll be energetic and we need to get in their faces and stop them playing their attractive brand of football. If we win our battles all over the park it will limit the service to their front men and it will let our quality come to the fore.

“This season we’ve shown we can compete with top teams like Cliftonville but as always we need everyone on top of their game.”

As reported earlier, Kyle Neill will be having an operation to repair a torn cruciate ligament and Gary Hamilton revealed that Kyle is determined to get back playing again and has offered to train and play for free until he proves his fitness. “Kyle’s one of a dying breed,” Gary told us, “and, like Kris Lindsay who showed the same refreshing attitude when we signed him, he’s proved himself a loyal and genuine person with a real affinity for the club.”

Match Programme

Make sure you get your copy of our matchday programme in which we hear from Kyle Neill and Gary Hamilton on Ciaran Martyn’s recovery from injury. Price £2.