Glenavon return to action tomorrow afternoon as they host H&W Welders in the Sixth Round of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup.
Glenavon fans will remember back to the 2016 Irish Cup campaign when the Lurgan Blues overcame the East Belfast side in the Fifth round of the competition. They would eventually go on to win the 136th edition of the Cup, their 7th since it’s introduction in 1881.
Speaking ahead of the game, Assistant manager Paul McAreavey hopes injury won’t be a big concern
“It’s a real banana skin and the Welders deserve nothing but credit. They had a very, very slow start this season, they changed manager and brought Paul Kee in and it looks like he’s doing a fantastic job,” he said.
Paul added, “He’s changed things about internally within the club, brought in new players, new staff. “
“He’s got big ‘Spike’ Ferguson back who is flying after 18 months and had a horrible injury.
He’s buzzing and just delighted to be back playing football after being on the sidelines for so long. He’s a major threat. He’s given everybody a lift around the club and they are going to be a real real threat against.
“We can’t afford to have seven or eight players off the game on Saturday. We need 11 plus the three or four who come off the bench to be at it.
“Hopefully we get more bodies back next Saturday to help us along. I think Rogers is coming back, he was away and was unavailable and we are hoping to have a look at Skinner and Sean Ward and it was great to see Michael O’Connor back after a long injury.
“We’re not too sure about Conor McCloskey, it may be a week too soon for him.
“AP came off as well, he was in bed from the Wednesday before the Carrick game with the flu. You have to give him credit, because obviously he was not himself but the young boy’s had a flu for three days.”
The Spirit of 2014 are organising a minute’s applause in memory of Mark Farren, whose passing took place on February 3, 2016. Everyone is asked to join in the applause, which will take place in the 10th minute of the game.
Supporters are reminded that Season Tickets are not valid for tomorrow afternoons cup game. Tickets can be purchased online, with a cash gate also in operation.
LAST TIME OUT
Glenavon left it late to get the winner over Ballinamallard United earlier in the year.
The Lurgan Blues travelled to Feeney Park where the game remained at a stalemate until the 80th minute when Mallards midfielder McAleer struck for the hosts, opening up the scoring.
Glenavon left it late to reply, with two rapid fire goals in quick succession from Peter Campbell and Matthew Fitzpatrick bringing joy to the travelling fans, in what was otherwise an underwhelming match.
