GLENAVON V CLIFTONVILLE: A LOOK AHEAD

On Friday 13th October 2023 Glenavon welcomes Cliftonville to Mourneview Park for its next Sports Direct Premiership fixture.

With Cliftonville riding high near the top of the league and in a rich vein of scoring form, Stephen McDonnell acknowledges that his team will be the underdog. “They are playing well and are in a great position in the table. Everyone will expect them to win. But we will be positive and do our best to cause an upset,” he said.

McDonnell feels that his players have gained some encouragement from the recent cup wins against Dergview and Newry City and last Saturday’s first half performance at Coleraine. “I think we have improvedgame by game,” he said. “The lads have adjusted well to some of the changes we have made. They can see the benefits, I feel. But it is still early days.”

The Glenavon boss would not be drawn on who will captain the team against Cliftonville. “Mark Haughey is the club captain, but he is injured. Matthew Fitzpatrick was his deputy but, obviously, he has left us. Those were the circumstances in which Danny [Wallace] became the skipper. I think there are a number of other natural leaders within the group and there is an opportunity to share the responsibility. That was our thinking when we asked Isaac to take the armband against Newry City.”

Much as Stephen enjoyed the two recent midweek matches, he is looking forward next week to spending more time working with the players. “We now have three ‘free’ weeks. That is six training sessions. I think it will give us a chance to go into some things a bit more deeply. Hopefully, it will translate into improved performances and results.”

McDonnell reports that Sean Ward is unlikely to be fit to face the Reds. However, Robbie Garrett is available again following his three-match suspension.

Cliftonville defeated Glenavon 3-0 at Solitude when the clubs met in August.

Match Sponsors

The match against Cliftonville will be sponsored by Lockton Insurance. Lockton has been a longstanding commercial partner. Its support is, again, deeply appreciated.
This week’s ball sponsor is the Sinnamon Family in memory of the late John Sinnamon. John was, of course, Glenavon’s Vice-chairman during the 2010s. He died earlier this year. He is fondly remembered by his former colleagues on the Board of Directors and many, many others.

The ‘Player of the Match’ sponsor is Mr. Hubert Watson. Hubert, the chairman of Dollingstown F.C., is a lifelong supporter.

Other Glenavon teams in action this weekend:

(Free Admission to all games)

• Monday 16th October 2023 – Coleraine Reserves v Glenavon Reserves, Coleraine Showgrounds, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 13th October 2023 – Portadown U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Brownstown Park 3G, 2000 k.o.
• Saturday 14th October 2023 – Ballymena United U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, Ballymena Showgrounds, 1100 k.o.
• Saturday 14th October 2023 – Carryduff Colts U-15s v Glenavon U-15s, Lough Moss Centre, 1100 k.o.
• Saturday 14th October 2023 – Portstewart Academy U-14s v Glenavon U-14s, Ballysally Playing Fields, Coleraine, 1100 k.o.
• Saturday 14th October 2023 – Glenavon U-13s v Glentoran U-13s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 1100k.o.