GLENAVON v LOUGHGALL, A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 18th November 2023 Glenavon faces Loughgall at Mourneview Park in its next Sports Direct Irish Premiership fixture. The Villagers have had an excellent season so far, particularly, but not exclusively, in clashes with Bottom Six clubs. Comfortable home and away wins against both Ballymena United and Newry City and a victory against Dungannon Swifts have aided an audacious bid for seventh place. When Glenavon visited Lakeview Park at the end of August, the match finished in a 2-2 draw.

“We know how well Loughgall has performed this season,” said manager Stephen McDonnell. “They are an excellent side, both in and out of possession. They work extremely hard for each other and can score goals. They will be full of confidence and will be looking to win the game.”

McDonnell reckons that Glenavon will need to perform extremely well if it is to collect points. “We will have to match or better them for work-rate and bring our A game to the table,” he continued. “We need all eleven players to be at their best. If we don’t do that, we won’t get the result we are hoping for.”

Stephen says that he has been encouraged by virtually all Glenavon’s performances since he joined the club at the end of September. “Barring the first 45 minutes against Glentoran, I think there have been positives in every game,” he continued. “Even on Tuesday night against Dungannon, we were denied a stonewall penalty kick and Jackson Nesbitt’s late goal was wrongly flagged offside.”

McDonnell reports good news on the injury front. “Sean Ward is fit and available again for selection,” he added. “Andy Mooney is back on the pitch and should be ready to return soon. Calum Birney is perhaps a fortnight away from training again. Mark Haughey has started non-contact training. We hope that he will be ready to play again in the first team sometime in January.”

The match against Loughgall will be sponsored by the Park Avenue Takeaway. The ball sponsor is McMillen Driver Training. The ‘Player of the Match’ sponsor is Mr. Mark Baxter.

Join the GFC players and Mourneview Youth Club in support of #OddSocksDay, part of Anti Bullying Week. It’s an opportunity for fans to express themselves and celebrate their individuality and what makes them all unique!

Glenavon v Loughgall, Last Season

  • 04/10/22 Glenavon 1 Loughgall 2 League Cup
  • 11/10/22 Glenavon 4 Loughgall 5 a.e.t., Mid-Ulster Cup

Other Glenavon teams in action this weekend:

  • Friday 17th November 2023 – Newry City U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Newry Showgrounds, 2000 k.o.
  • Saturday 18th November 2023 – Glenavon U-16s v Enniskillen Town United U-16s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 1115 k.o.
  • Saturday 18th November 2023 – Cliftonville U-12s v Glenavon U-12s, Allen Park 3G