CLIFTONVILLE V GLENAVON, A LOOK AHEAD
On Saturday 17th February 2024 Glenavon travels to North Belfast to face Cliftonville in its next Sports Direct Premiership fixture.
Cliftonville is having an excellent season. In addition to mounting a sustained challenge for the Premiership title, it has reached the quarter-final of the Clearer Water Irish Cup. The only major disappointment was a surprise defeat against Dungannon Swifts in the BetMcLean League Cup.
“It is another really tough match for us,” admitted Stephen McDonnell. “Cliftonville has been very consistent in the league. They have stayed in touch with Larne and Linfield at the top and are firmly in contention for the title. Everyone will expect them to win. But we will be positive and do our best to cause an upset.”
The Reds has only lost once at home all season. “Their home record is formidable,” Stephen continued. “They play with a lot of energy, put teams on the back foot and create lots of chances.”
McDonnell is encouraged by his charges’ display in the 2-2 draw with Linfield. “We were very good and thoroughly deserved the result we got,” he added. “We cut out the mistakes we made at Inver Park and offered more of a threat when we got forward.”
Isaac Baird returns to the squad after serving a one-match suspension. Mark Haughey is also available. However, striker Lido Lotefa will miss out through injury. “Lido picked up a groin strain in the first half against Linfield. That’s why he came off,” said McDonnell. “He might be out for two or three weeks.”
Cliftonville defeated Glenavon 3-0 at Solitude in August 2023 and 1-0 at Mourneview Park in October 2023.
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Glenavon v Coleraine, Last Season |
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Date |
Result |
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17/09/22 |
Glenavon 0 Cliftonville 1 |
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05/11/22 |
Cliftonville 2 Glenavon 2 |
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24/01/23 |
Glenavon 1 Cliftonville 3 |
Other Glenavon teams in action this week:
(Free Admission to all games)
- Monday 19th February 2024 – Linfield Swifts v Glenavon Reserves, Midgley Park, 1945 k.o.
- Wednesday 21st February 2024 – Glenavon Reserves v Newry City Reserves, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
- Friday 16th February 2024 – Ballymena United U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, The Showgrounds, 2000 k.o.
- Saturday 17th February 2024 – Portadown U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, Kernan Playing Fields, 1100 k.o.
- Saturday 17th February 2024 – Glenavon U-15s v Glentoran U-15s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 0930, k.o.
- Saturday 17th February 2024 – Glenavon U-14s v Linfield U-14s, Crumlin Leisure Centre, Pitch 1, 0930k.o.
