The first of three festive away fixtures see Glenavon go into tonight’s game hoping to carry on a good run of form. After three wins on the bounce, the Lurgan side have finally got results turning in their favour.

They make the trip to The Oval to face a strong Glentoran side who are now unbeaten in their last 11 games. The Glens are also now boosted by the fact that McDaid’s red card was rescinded following a successful appeal. 

“I’m now delighted that their performances are getting the results that they deserve.

“It’s a tough game, I know that. They’re an in-form team. With the squad they have, you expect that.

“They’ve some top players, especially in the top end of the pitch. They’ve got a really good front line, their midfield has been playing well and they’ve been solid defensively so it’ll be a tough test for us.

“The boys have to relish going down and playing a team like this and hopefully they can get one over on them.”

Tomorrow will see Michael O’Connor make a return following a suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Crusaders.

Glenavon will be without a few key players tonight, with O’Mahony, Haughey, Stafford, Birney and McCloskey ruled out through injury. A. Doyle and Snoddy are to face late fitness tests but are unlikely to make it. Ross Hunter sees his name returning to the squad list.

Fans can pay at the gate, tickets are £12/£8

 

LAST TIME OUT

Back in October, Glenavon faced Glentoran in their first league bout of the season.

Luke McCullough put the Glens ahead after 16 minutes after Brown failed to hold a Plum free kick from deep. Glenavon worked out an equaliser in the 70th minute, through a Matthew Snoddy cross that found the head of Fitzpatrick.

Glentoran took the lead almost immediately after the restart after Haughey conceded a penalty. Jay Donnelly converted from the spot. This put the visitors a goal in front, which they saw through to the final whistle.

 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Ross Dunlop

Assistant Referees: Paul Robinson, Jamie Carnduff

Fourth Official: Gareth Stewart