GLENAVON V DUNGANNON SWIFTS, A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 21st September 2024 Glenavon faces Dungannon Swifts at Mourneview Park.

The good news is that Stephen McDonnell’s side did not pick up any fresh injuries during the midweek 0-0 draw with Larne. “That was a real bonus,” said the Blues’ boss. “Keith Ward is available for selection. Mark Haughey and Rhys Marshall are now four days closer to being a realistic option for us coming off the bench. Calum Birney, Jamie Doran and Niall Quinn all trained on Thursday. Hopefully, they can take part in the sessions we have planned for next week. Chris Atherton is back and ready to play. The only negative is that James Doona needs an x-ray on his injured ankle / foot,so he is out.”

McDonnell reckons that Glenavon performed even better against Larne than was the case against Crusaders. “I thought that the display on Tuesday was on a different level,” he enthused. “To limit the league champions to one clear cut scoring chance – the shot near the end which Gareth Deane saved brilliantly –proves my point. We did all the good things we did against Crusaders and more.”

McDonnell believes that the challenge for his players this Saturday is to show the same quality in possession as they have done out of possession. “A benchmark has been established,” he said. “But we pride ourselves not only on the way we defend, but what we can do when we have the ball. We want to be able to retain possession, pass it accurately and hurt the opposition when we get forward. If we can do both sides of the game well – and finding that balance is the key – then I believe that we can be a real force. That is the message we have been giving the players.”

The Glenavon boss believes that Dungannon is an opponent high on confidence. “The Swifts, since the split in March / April, have been winning matches consistently and beating high quality sides,” he continued. “They are third in the table. They will come to Lurgan expecting to win.”

McDonnell pointed out that Rodney McAree has had the luxury of continuity of selection. “Bar Dean Curry, the left sided centre back, they have had basically the same eleven since the start of August. That has made an enormous difference. Be under no illusions, to get anything from the fixture, we will need to show all the commitment and ability which was on show against both Crusaders and Larne.”

Finally, he appealed for home supporters to get behind the team. “The noise, particularly during the second half, against Larne is something I have only heard once before since my appointment,” he explained. “It really lifted us. The lads were talking about it afterwards. I recognise that sometimes it is up to the players to provide the spark which helps to generate that type of vocal backing, but if we had it all the time, it would make an enormous difference. So, please, let’s have more of it.”

The match against Dungannon is sponsored by a Syndicate of former Glenavon Directors.

The matchball sponsor is Tandragee Sewing Machines.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is Mr. Ian Wilson.

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free Admission to all games)

• Monday 23rd September 2024 – Glenavon Reserves v Crusaders Reserves, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 20th September 2024 – Glenavon U-18s v Larne U-18s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2000 k.o.
• Saturday 21st September 2024 – Glenavon U-16s v Larne U-16s, Saint Patrick’s Academy, Banbridge, 3G, 1115 k.o.
• Saturday 21st September 2024 – Crusaders U-15s v Glenavon U-15s, Crumlin Leisure Centre, 3G, Pitch 3, 0930 k.o.