Tomorrow afternoon Mourneview will host one of the biggest games in local football, the Mid-Ulster derby. The history rich fixture has seen its fair share of red cards, goals and drama over the course of its running and tomorrow should be no different as Portadown make their first trip of the season to Mourneview Park.
Glenavon go in off the back of a 2-2 draw against Warrenpoint following their win over Crusaders. Warrenpoint were 2 to the good just after the break thanks to a Wade Slater brace. The Lurgan men wouldn’t find the net until later in the game when Snoddy, with his newfound goal scoring form, and J. Doyle came up with the goals to secure the point.
Speaking to Glenavon Media, Gary is critical of last weeks performance, highlighting the need to start strong tomorrow and convert our chances.
“We need a boost. It’s a derby and we shouldn’t need anything to get ourselves up for that game.
“As a player, these are the games that you want to play in and as coaching staff we want to be involved in them.
“When we cross the white line next week we have to be a lot better in the first half and the second half. When we’re in the final third we need to create better opportunities and have a better final delivery because, for me, it wasn’t good enough [against Warrenpoint].
“That was the one major criticism I had last Saturday. We got into so many good positions, but our final ball let us down.
“Hopefully we’ll take the last 15-20 minutes from Saturday’s game and kick on next week and get a good, positive result.”
It’s a game that will attract many along the Bann and is sure to be an entertaining one at that. The two previous meetings between the two clubs this season have been nothing short of dramatic – leaving a lot to be desired tomorrow.
Fans can purchase tickets via the ‘TICKETING’ tab in the menu bar above.
There will be live music in the Bedeck Suite before and after the game. Taylor Kerr will be playing from 1-3pm and Leah Jordan will be playing from 5-7pm. The Bedeck/Bar will open from 12:30pm, all are welcome to join.
LAST TIME OUT
A 9-man Glenavon secured a hard-earned win over their bitter rivals in an intense Boxing Day derby – the first between the two clubs in 5 years.
Nothing came for the half hour until Peter Campbell broke the stalemate with the only goal of the game at 37 minutes. No sooner than him scoring, Peter found himself in the referee’s notebook, receiving a straight red 10 seconds after the restart. Only a few moments later Robbie Garrett also saw red, leaving the Lurgan Blues down to 9 before the break.
A second half performance which could only be described as defensive perfection left the visiting side with their first festive win at Portadown since 1967.
PLAYER NEWS
Gary will have a full squad at his disposal for tomorrow’s game, with the exception of Doran who is injured long term.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Tavinder
Assistant Referees: Bogdan Sfirloaga, Vikki Finlay
Fourth Official: Ian McNabb
MATCH SPONSORS
Match Sponsor: Tom Vint & Co, Banbridge
Ball Sponsor: CDF Financial
Man of the Match Sponsor: Diamond Elite Chauffeur Services
