GLENAVON V DUNGANNON SWIFTS, A  LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 9th March 2024 Glenavon entertains Dungannon Swifts at Mourneview Park in its next Sports Direct Premiership fixture. Dungannon has had an up and down season. It can point to a victory against Linfield, two wins against Cliftonville and two draws with Larne, yet it exited the Clearer Water Irish Cup at the hands of Ballyclare Comrades. It currently occupies ninth place in the league table.

“Dungannon will be tough opponents, there is no doubt about that,” said Stephen McDonnell. “They are well coached and play good football. They keep the ball on the ground, play through the lines and look to create chances. Their results demonstrate that they can beat the very best teams in the country.”

Nonetheless the Dundalk man reckons that his players can take all three points. “We have come a long way since we last played Dungannon in November,” he said. “Our lads have adapted well to the changes we have made. If we play to our potential, and take our chances, there is no reason why we can’t win the match.”

McDonnell was pleased with the midweek display against Glentoran. “We defended properly, competed well in midfield and were lively up front,” he continued. “Sean Ward and Calum Birney were both excellent in the middle of the back four. Sean’s quality is there for all to see, and Calum is a very good defender. If we had taken the opportunity which came our way right at the end, we would have turned a good evening into a very good one.”

Regrettably, the news about suspensions and injuries has not improved since Tuesday night. Peter Campbell will again be absent. In addition, Gareth Deane (knee), Isaac Baird (knee), Mark Haughey (knee), Gavin Hodgins (sick) and Aaron Prendergast (groin) are not expected to play.

The match against Dungannon will be sponsored by the William Walker Glenavon Supporters’ Club. The ball sponsor is Kuba Creative Web Design, Thornheights, Banbridge. The ‘Player of the Match’ sponsor is former director Eddie Kerr.

Thank you to all our sponsors.

Other Glenavon teams in action this weekend:

(Free Admission to all games)

• Monday 11th March 2024 – Glenavon Reserves v Crusaders Reserves, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 8th March 2024 – Glenavon U-18s v Newry City U-18s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2000.
• Saturday 9th March 2024 – Glenavon U-16s v Linfield U-16s, Gordon Playing Fields, 1100 k.o.
• Saturday 9th March 2024 – Glenavon U-15s v Cliftonville U-15s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 1115 k.o.
• Saturday 9th March 2024 – Maiden City U-14s v Glenavon U-14s, Crumlin Leisure Centre, Pitch 2, 1245k.o.