Saturday’s visit of second-placed Linfield sees the start of a thrilling two week period for Glenavon with league leaders and Champions Crusaders coming to Mourneview on Tuesday for a re-arranged Dankse Bank Premiership fixture, to be followed on Wednesday week with a home League Cup Quarter Final against Cliftonville.

Although the result didn’t go our way at Solitude last weekend Gary was happy with the effort and commitment of his players. “It’s a tough place to go but for the first 60-65 minutes I felt we were on top but the two goals in quick succession sort of knocked the stuffing out of the guys. I was disappointed at the result and I didn’t think it was a 3-0 as we put in a decent performance but didn’t take our chances.

“We want to bounce back tomorrow with a good positive performance and hopefully a good result. We can’t carry any passengers or we’ll get beat so we have to fight for every ball, have everyone playing at the top of their game and hopefully we can go on and win the game.”

Ciaran Martyn is a doubt for tomorrow after going off injured at half time at Solitude being replaced by midfield stalwart Andy Kilmartin. “Andy has been a top performer for us as a defensive midfielder but when we went behind we really could have done with Ciaran on the pitch,” Gary continued. “Mark Sykes has been outstanding this season and he’s a number one pick in centre midfield. He was unlucky not to score last week and if he keeps working with the same attitude and if he can add goals to his game he’ll be a top player.”

Mark Sykes in action against Cliftonville last Saturday. Photo by Alan Weir.

Fans will be sure to notice tomorrow the first use of a new ‘winter’ ball which is being introduced by NIFL and which will be used for the next three months. The uhlsport Infinity Series: Revolution 3.0 matchball certainly is hard to miss as it is bright fluorescent yellow in colour, with all 12 Danske Bank Premiership clubs having their own logo also placed on each of their matchballs. untitled

Don’t forget that there will be an act of remembrance at our memorial garden led by our club Chaplain Rev. Paul Whittaker, starting at around 2:15pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Charity Collection

There will be a charity collection at the game for our charity partner for the 2016/17 season Angel Wishes and fans are asked to give generously. You can also donate via their Just Giving page.

Match Programme

This week’s match programme (£2) features striker Declan O’Brien on the front cover. He was inducted into the ‘100 League Goals Club’ by the PFA of Ireland last week – congratulations Fabio! cwbhwjswgaatugk