Glenavon prepare to face Rathfriland, for the second time in two months, as they visit Mourneview Park for the opening stages of the Mid-Ulster Cup tonight.

The two teams last met at the end of July during pre-season, where the Lurgan Blues overcame the host side 2-0, through Jamie Doran and Matthew Fitzpatrick, who both scored one apiece late into each half.

Glenavon will go into the game strong, with Gary using several first team players in order to return them to full match fitness.

“We let ourselves down last year against Hanover,” said the manager.

He added, “With suspensions and all that we’ll probably go with a stronger side, due to the boys coming back. Jack Malone will need a game, Mick needs game time, Conor Kerr and Andy Doyle too. There’s a lot who need it, so we’ll be pretty strong.

“I want to win. I want to win every game of football I play.

“This competition has done well for us over the last few years with getting young players exposed to playing against senior men, so hopefully we’ll be able to do that as well.

“We want to win tonight. We want to get as strong a team out as possible, without the guys who played the majority of Saturday.”

The Glenavon side will be looking for some redemption tonight following last year’s untimely exit to fourth tier side Hanover last September.

TEAM NEWS

Jack Malone returns from a 3-match suspension.

Campbell and McCloskey will be unavailable due to injury.

MATCH SPONSORS 

Match Sponsor: Gary McCullough & Son Painter and Decorators

Ball Sponsor: Tina Moore, Andy Smith and Gene O’Neill

Man of the Match Sponsor: J.M. Martinez Arts and Crafts

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Mark Dillon

Assistant Referees: Jason Maxwell, Jamie Patterson