When Glenavon take on Ballymena United there’s always goals in prospect, and supporters watching tomorrow’s live stream on 247.tv/niprem will be hoping for more of the same.
The last time these two teams met at the Ballymena Showgrounds in November, the Lurgan Blues inflicted a fourth straight defeat on David Jeffrey’s side with a 2-0 win.
However, since that cold Tuesday evening, United went on an unbeaten streak stretching eight games and which only came to an end on Tuesday evening when Dungannon Swifts’ Rhyss Campbell found the net on 82 minutes.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” said Glenavon manager Gary Hamilton.
“Ballymena have been on a decent run – they lost to Dungannon the other night before that they had been on a really good run. They’re flying, picking up points and they are full of confidence.
“That said, we have competed in every game this year – the Larne game was probably the only game we didn’t compete in the second half apart from Portadown.
“I put that down to us not playing football in four weeks. Our energy levels just weren’t the same and when Larne got on top and scored a couple of goals through a few mistakes of our own then it’s tough to get back into the game because we didn’t have the energy that we’ve had all season.
“That was the only thing I thought separated the two teams the other night.”
Getting our usual high tempo back up is going to be key to getting back on track, Gary told the club website.
“Ballymena is always a tough game but if we can get our levels back up, particularly now that we have a couple of games behind us, then hopefully we can play with a bit more energy like we have been doing,” he added.
“If we do then we are capable of getting a result against anybody.”
The good news for Gary is that he has no further injuries to contend with, meaning both Andy Hall and Calum Birney, who are out long-term, and Colin Coates (hamstring) remain the only players definitely missing tomorrow’s game.
Saturday’s game, which is behind closed doors, kicks off at 3pm and will streamed live on 247.tv/niprem for just £5. Glenavon season ticket holders will again be able to avail of a free live stream of Saturday’s home game against Ballymena United by signing into their 247.tv/niprem account. Please note that season ticket holders who have already provided an email address do not need to do so again, as you will be automatically registered with 247.tv for a free stream.
Joining the Glenavon Media team this week on commentary is former Glenavon striker and ex-Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson, with our build-up to kick-off getting underway at 2.30pm.
LAST TIME OUT: A first half goal from Matthew Fitzpatrick and a late second from substitute Greg Moorhouse sent the Lurgan Blues back down the road with all three points as Glenavon secured a 2-0 win at the Ballymena Showgrounds on November 10.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Andrew Davey
Assistant Referees: Paul Robinson, Jamie Carnduff
Fourth Official: Glenn Buchanan
SPONSORS
MATCH SPONSORS: Neill Dillon, Alastair Wells and Warren McCleary
BALL SPONSOR: Wee Paddy’s Bistro/Cosy Coffee, Church Place
MAN OF THE MATCH SPONSOR: Barry Craig and Ethna Ferran
