Yes, Saturday sees the third Mid-Ulster derby of the season as Portadown return to Mourneview Park for this Danske Bank Premiership fixture. Last time out, on Boxing Day, Glenavon won 1-0 thanks to an injury time goal by Rhys Marshall. In the previous meeting this season, at Shamrock Park, the Lurgan Blues came back from 2-0 down to earn a point in a 2-2 draw, the goals coming from Eoin Bradley and James Singleton. Bradly makes a welcome return from suspension for the derby tomorrow.

Both sides lost their respective re-arranged games on Monday night so both managers will be looking for a response in tomorrow’s game. Glenavon’s defeat by Glentoran ended an eight match unbeaten run in the league. Portadown’s recent poor form has seen Ronnie McFall’s side lose seven out of the last ten in the league but they did defeat Coleraine in the Irish Cup and beat in-form Linfield last Friday night in the league.

“You just want to play as soon as possible after a game like that,” Gary Hamilton said after Monday’s defeat. “Against Portadown, the players will be up for the game themselves without needing any extra motivation from me,” he continued. “It’s maybe a good game for us to bounce back and with the crowd behind us it’ll give us that wee bit of extra buzz. Form goes out the window in these derby games. It’s all down to the day, who performs, and who has that bit of luck on their side.”

Supporters are reminded that that alcohol, glass containers, glass bottles, fireworks and flares are prohibited from all public areas within Mourneview Park. Due to health and safety restrictions all tins and plastic bottles of drink (with tops attached) will also be banned from all the stands. Admission to the Crescent Stand is by ticket only. Please see the Club Statement for full details.

Reminder: Tickets for the League fixture against Linfield on the 27th February will be available for sale in the club shop prior to tomorrow’s game.

Match Programme

We have a very special edition of the match day programme this week which includes a tribute to the late Mark Farren from Gary Hamilton and a look back at Mark’s Glenavon career.

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