CARRICK RANGERS v GLENAVON: A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 28th October 2023 Glenavon continues its Sports Direct Irish Premiership campaign against Carrick Rangers at Taylor’s Avenue.

“Carrick have shown this season that they can beat the best teams in the league,” said Blues’ boss Stephen McDonnell. “They showed that against Glentoran, Coleraine, Cliftonville and they have pushed Linfield all the way twice. So, it is going to be another tough 90 minutes.”

When the clubs’ met at Mourneview Park in September, Glenavon edged a tight match 2-1. “I have watched the video of that game,” Stephen continued. “Carrick played for a long time with 10 men and were still arguably the better side. Obviously, we got the win, but it was very close. That is further evidence of the size of the challenge ahead.”

More positively, Stephen revealed that this week’s Tuesday and Thursday night training sessions were the best since he succeeded Gary Hamilton as manager. “The players worked very hard,” he added. “They produced a really high level of intensity. To be fair, they have always shown a lot of commitment in training. But this week it was of a different order. That bodes well for Saturday.”

On a less hopeful note, Jack Malone misses the trip to Taylor’s Avenue due to a family commitment. Sean Ward will also be absent and there are doubts about the fitness of Adam Davidson and Aaron Prendergast. Niall Quinn is back in contention for a starting position.

“Aaron pulled up in training on Thursday with a possible groin issue,” said Stephen. “That highlights where we are at. The squad is stretched. But, if he doesn’t make it, there will be an opportunity for someone else. Can some of our other younger players put their hand up and make a claim for a starting place? Hopefully, they can.”

Glenavon v Carrick Rangers, Last Season
Date Result
03/09/22 Glenavon 2 Carrick Rangers 2
22/10/22 Glenavon 4 Carrick Rangers 2
28/01/23 Carrick Rangers 1 Glenavon 1
22/04/23 Carrick Rangers 1 Glenavon 3

Other Glenavon teams in action this weekend:

(Free Admission to all games)

  • Monday 30th October 2023 – Glenavon Reserves v Glentoran Seconds, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
  • Saturday 28th October 2023 – Portadown U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, Brownstown Park, 1130 k.o.
  • Friday 27th October 2023 – Glenavon U-15s v Ballymena United U-15s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2015 k.o.
  • Friday 27th October 2023 – Larne U-13s v Glenavon U-13s, Larne Academy of Sport, 1930 k.o.