Glenavon hosts Ballymena United at Mourneview Park on Saturday afternoon. United, now under the management of Jim Ervin, has lost all five of its opening Sports Direct Premiership fixtures – versus Coleraine (1-2), Crusaders (1-2), Larne (0-3), Linfield (0-1) and Glentoran (0-2). Nonetheless, Gary Hamilton is anticipating another testing 90 minutes.

“Ballymena have had a very tough run of games and, with that behind them, will be looking to pick up their first points,” he said. “Jim will have them well prepared and in the right frame of mind. I have no doubts about that. So, we will have to, again, lift our game and perform at our very best.”

Gary felt that his team was undone against Newry City and Loughgall by defensive errors and a lack of composure in the final third. “We have been guilty of making costly mistakes at the back and, when we have got the ball forward, not producing enough quality to hurt the opposition.” He is hoping that the introduction of Jamie McDonagh will improve the attack. “Jamie has loads of ability and plenty of experience. If he settles quickly, he has the potential to make a big difference.”

Hamilton remained disappointed by the late referee’s whistle which contributed to Loughgall’s opening goal last Friday night. “It is soul destroying because things like that simply should not happen,” he added. “It put us on the back foot in a game which we had controlled up to that point. But credit to the players for battling back in the second half. Hopefully, neither Jim nor I will have to talk about the officials this Saturday.”

Niall Quinn (hamstring) and Sean Ward (ankle), as well as long term absentee Mark Haughey (knee), remain unavailable. Andy Mooney (back) will be reviewed at training on Thursday night.

Finally, Bobby Deane and Marc Matthews have joined Institute and Knockbreda respectively on loan for the season.

Match Sponsors

Match: Gordon Irwin

Ball: Peter Haire

MoM: Barry Craig & Ethna Ferran

Other Glenavon teams in action this weekend:

(Free Admission to all games)

• Monday 4th September 2023 – Glenavon Reserves v Loughgall Reserves, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 1st September 2023 – Institute U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Brandywell Stadium, 2000 k.o.
• Saturday 2nd September 2023 – Glenavon U-16s v Institute U-16s, Gordon Playing Fields, 1100 k.o.
• Saturday 2nd September 2023 – Glenavon U-15s v Glentoran U-15s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 0930k.o.
• Saturday 2nd September 2023 – Cliftonville U-14s v Glenavon U-14s, Allen Park 3G Pitch 1, Antrim, 0930k.o.
• Saturday 2nd September 2023 – Rosario Y.C. U-13s v Glenavon U-13s, Allen Park 3G Pitch 3, Antrim, 0930 k.o.
•