DUNGANNON SWIFTS v GLENAVON: A LOOK AHEAD

Glenavon travels to Stangmore Park on Saturday to face Dungannon Swifts. The East Tyrone club has drawn two and lost four of its opening six Sports Direct Premiership fixtures. Its two positive results were against Larne (4-4) and Coleraine (2-2). Five of its six goals in those two matches were scored in the closing minutes. Two of its four defeats came against Loughgall (1-2) and Carrick Rangers (1-2).

Mourneview Park regulars won’t need to be reminded that Glenavon often struggles against the Swifts. Gary Hamilton is at a loss to know why. “It is a situation which existed before I became manager,” he said. “To be fair, they are always well organised and have talented young players. It is never an easy fixture. This summer they have brought in a few new faces and are spending more than they have done recently. So, it will be another difficult game.”

Gary was, generally, encouraged by his players’ performances against Ballymena United and Banbridge Town. “I thought that we played well in the first half last Saturday and created enough chances in the second to have scored three or four goals,” he said. “Jamie McDonagh added quality to the attack, Peter Campbell had a better match, Bo Nesbitt led the line effectively and Conor McCloskey made a decent contribution. Plus, we were a lot more solid at the back than we have been.”

“On Monday night we were very good in the first half. We passed the ball well, scored three times and created lots of good chances,” he added. “But Banbridge have made a disappointing start to the season and play two leagues below us so it would be dangerous to read too much into that game. And, it must be said, we struggled at times in the second half. We will certainly need to produce two good 45 minutes’ football if we are to pick up points at Dungannon.”

Sean Ward, Niall Quinn and Andy Mooney played against Banbridge Town. Gary hopes that they will be available again for the trip to Stangmore Park.

Other Glenavon teams in action this weekend:

(Free Admission to all games)

• Monday 11th September 2023 – Ballymena United Reserves v Glenavon Reserves, The Showgrounds, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 8th September 2023 – Glenavon U-18s v Carrick Rangers U-18s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2000 k.o.
• Saturday 9th September 2023 – Carrick Rangers U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, Taylor’s Avenue 3G, 1100 k.o.
• Saturday 9th September 2023 – Ballymena United Youth U-15s v Glenavon U-15s, Allen Park 3G, Pitch 3, Antrim, 1115 k.o.
• Saturday 9th September 2023 – Glenavon U-14s v Dungannon Swifts U-14s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 1115 k.o.
• Saturday 9th September 2023 – Glenavon U-13s v St. Oliver Plunkett U-13s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G,0930 k.o.