Glenavon returns to action tomorrow with a trip to Seaview for their 10th game in the Danske Bank Premiership, after a two week break due to fixture changes for various reasons.

Gary Hamilton has been working the squad hard in training sessions and is looking forward to taking on the Crues with a fresh squad. “After the draw with Dungannon we would really have wanted to get straight back to action but we had a good couple of weeks training and the break will have done the players good so they should be fresh and ready to go. Crusaders is always a difficult game but we’ll be going there to give it a good go.”

After following up a 2-1 win against Linfield with consecutive home draws with Ards and Dungannon Swifts, Crusaders have been getting back to the sort of form that saw them clinch the title two seasons in a row and narrowly miss out on a third Gibson Cup last season. 3-0 wins against the Glens at The Oval and away to Cove Rangers in the Scottish Challenge Cup would back up that appraisal. “We always knew they would come strong and they’ll be challenging for the league title again this season,” Gary continued.

Mark Sykes has been showing his true potential this season, weighing in with five goals so far in all competitions and he also played a big part in Northern Ireland’s 4-2 win against Estonia at Mourneview Park on Tuesday night in a UEFA Under 21 Qualifier. He scored NI’s third goal and his thunderous strike cannoned off the underside of the bar and rebounded into the net off the keeper’s back for the 4th goal to clinch the victory.

Northern Ireland U21 vs Estonia U21. Northern Ireland’s Mark Sykes. Picture: PressEye / Philip Magowan

“Mark wants to be a professional footballer,” Gary told us, “and if he brings that sort of performance back to Glenavon every week he’ll certainly put himself in the shop window. He listens to instructions and carries them out and that’s a good attribute in any young player. He brings real energy and enthusiasm to his game and that ability to take on board what he’s told will just see him get better and better.”

Condolences

Condolences from everyone at Glenavon FC to the family and friends of lifelong Crusaders supporter Billy Whiteside, the father of Crusaders club Treasurer Tommy Whiteside. Billy sadly passed away suddenly while watching the Crusaders game against Cove Rangers last Saturday.

Form Guide

Both sides are tied on 20 points (P6 D2 L1) going in to tomorrow’s game with the Crues just ahead on goal difference. Glenavon’s strike force is the most potent in the league with 28 goals but the Crues can boast the third meanest defence with just 7 goals conceded in nine league games so far.

Match Officials