MATCH PREVIEW: Glenavon v Warrenpoint Town

Glenavon are looking to win their third game on the bounce this Saturday when Warrenpoint Town come to Mourneview Park.

The Lurgan Blues go into the Danske Bank Premiership fixture (please note this game has been brought forward from Tuesday night) off the back of impressive victories against Dungannon Swifts and last week against Crusaders.

And while Barry Gray’s side might be at the foot of the table, that will not count for much when the two teams kick off (3pm), according to Glenavon manager Gary Hamilton.

He told Glenavon Media, “I know I always say it but there are no easy games in this league. Warrenpoint always give us a good game and I’d expect nothing different this Saturday.

“Warrenpoint might be bottom of the league but they will be coming into the game needing to get three points to catch the teams above them. They will be hungry and we need to be ready for that.

“That said, we can take confidence from our last two wins and hopefully we can go into the game and get a win.”

Warrenpoint are looking to get their first point of 2022 and have not won a game since they beat Carrick Rangers away on November 27.

Glenavon do have a good record against their opponents, having only ever lost twice to them in all of their meetings.

If they are to keep that record up they will have to do it without last week’s match-winner, Peter Campbell, who misses out through illness. Jamie Doran also misses out through injury, while Andy Waterworth is out as he is travelling with Northern Ireland U15s for their games against Chelsea and Southampton. Robbie Garrett, meanwhile, is suspended.

LAST TIME OUT: A Michael O’Connor brace and a Matthew Fitzpatrick strike earned the Lurgan Blues three points at Milltown.

Just before the half hour mark the opening goal came when Matthew Fitzpatrick beat the offside trap after being played through by Andy Hall. Mitchell raced out to meet him but the Glenavon striker lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and took his opportunity well.

On 44 minutes Glenavon doubled their lead from the penalty spot through Michael O’Connor. Campbell had given up on a lost cause on the byline and was brought down on the edge of the six yard box.

Then, in first half stoppage time, O’Connor doubled his tally with a spectacular volley on the edge of the box after Warrenpoint failed to clear a corner kick.

MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE: Steven Gregg

ASSISTANT REFEREE: Gareth Eakin, Brian Wilson

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Ben McMaster